Coach to Newhall Utd - Saturday Oct 17th

For all those you who enjoyed the Market Drayton trip, here's a chance to do it all over again. For those who couldn't make it, here's a chance to see what you missed!

The Supporters Club are providing transport to GNE's Derbyshire Cup 1st round tie with Newhall Utd on Saturday 17th October. Newhall is just North of Tamworth, around 2 hours away, and the game kicks off early at 2.15pm as Newhall do not have floodlights. They do, however, have a Social Club

Details are as follows;

Cost: £10 per seat
Leave Surrey St: 11:00am
Depart Newhall: 1 hour after final whistle

If interested please leave your names on the messageboard thread or with any member of the Supporters Club.

Abbey Hey 0 GNE 1

Is Abbey Hey in Gorton? A simple question on the face of it but, it seems, difficult to answer definitively. Differences of opinion surface as a result of this question and the address of the football ground, which is The Abbey Stadium, Goredale Avenue, Gorton, does little to help. Perhaps we leave this one for another day but recall that earlier in the season Cod thought that Bootle FC played in Bootle well, well.

We enter the ground via what could be described as a drive through turnstile – how many of these do we see on our travels? £5 entrance and £1 for a programme. The main feature of this programme is several pages of football related “jokes”. An enterprising idea but we wonder if they have the same set of jokes for every programme in the season? If so, this shows a certain lack of imagination. If, on the other hand, there are different jokes for every home game then this would show a commendable diligence.

Neat and tidy ground enhanced by glorious, if slightly unseasonal, sunshine. This prompts a discussion on “Indian Summers” and if we are experiencing such. In the true spirit of scientific debate, it’s good to have a few definitions to start with. There is some contention concerning the definition of an Indian Summer. The one preferred by your ageing scribe relates to the early settlers from Europe into the United States. Much of the area which is now West Virginia is at sea level and gets fiercely hot and humid in the summer months becoming a breeding ground for all sorts of diseases. These early settlers fell foul of many of these diseases, for which they had no previous exposure, and died like flies – appropriate in some ways as flies were responsible for the transmission of some of these deadly diseases. After a couple of years of this, the early settlers, their population now decimated by disease, noticed that the local Indians (or Native Americans as we now have to call them in this increasingly politically correct world in which we live in – horrible English and there is a song in there which is appropriate in the context of this part of this narrative (no prizes for guessing but have a go)) were absent from these low level, disease infested, regions during the summer. It was later discovered that these canny Native Americans knew all about the local conditions – not surprising really as they has been there for hundreds of years – and moved to higher ground to escape the intense heat and the disease associated with it. The typical climate, in summer, in these higher regions was later discovered to be a daytime temperature of around 70 Fahrenheit, with typically blue skies and little wind. Night time temperatures dropped away to the early 50s Fahrenheit. In these conditions, there were no “killer diseases”, the Native Americans survived to carry on yet another year and this weather pattern came to be known as an “Indian Summer”. In modern times, an Indian Summer is more associated, in the Northern Hemisphere, with this type of weather pattern in late October and early November. So, are we having an Indian Summer? – I leave you to decide, dear reader.

But back to The Abbey Stadium. The GNE travelling army head off to the well appointed clubhouse for refreshments. Boddies and Becks (extra cold – yuk) on draught (draft is American and, therefore, by definition, not English) and a selection of Hollands pies. We know Hollands pies very well and, quite rightly, they are described as average. Such is the strength in depth of the GNE away support, around 75 out of a crowd given as 132, that the lone barman begins to struggle to cope with demand and a long queue forms – yet another example, perhaps, of a club seriously misjudging the strength of our away support. When all are suitable refreshed, one of our number is heard to ask “Where’s the home supporters bar then?” The new Supporters Club members lapel badges arrive and are distributed. Proudly wearing our new badges - and very smart they are too – we leave the well appointed clubhouse and are treated to the announcer calling out the teams over the Tannoy. He sounds exactly like an underwater Dalek and each player is called “gurgle, gurgle” – never been much good at onomatopoeia (see if you can do better – I’m sure you can). We set up “camp” in the Abbey Hey version of the Surrey Street scratting shed – four flags this week – magnificent. This scratting shed is generally unremarkable in structure but does contain some interesting graffiti which includes e-mail addresses – a sign of the times perhaps.

The players enter the arena with our lone striker sporting distinctive red football boots – no comment. The GNE starting 11 is the same as the last match – consistency!

With 10 minutes to go to half time, one of our more senior members heads off to the bar to be sure to get a half time pint before the lone barman is overwhelmed by the demand. However, full marks to the organisation at Abbey Hey, having recognised the strength of the GNE travelling army, rapid arrangements have been made and there are now two barmen. Well done to Abbey Hey and a lesson to other clubs in our division here perhaps.

After 45 minutes, its half time and the mighty GNE having, for the second match running, failed to give the opposition the almost mandatory goal start, lead 1-0.

The second have is a “scratchy” affair and the away supporters grow twitchy (not itchy – remember the midges at Rammy?) as the score remains at 1-0. The mood is enlivened somewhat by Oggie and Cod texting one of our absent supporters with conflicting information about the state of the match. Childish perhaps but certainly entertaining – poor boy! However at the final whistle it’s 1-0 to the might GNE. Three points in the bag and a move up the league table almost certain.

Before we even manage to leave the ground, the goalposts and nets are securely locked away in a container – looked like an exercise up to the standards of the Royal Tournament - although your ageing scribe believes that the Royal Tournament no longer exists – political correctness possibly. Maybe this exercise in semi-military precision answers the question of whether we are in Abbey Hey or Gorton….

More departures!

James Curly and Lee Blackshawe have both left the club.

James stormed out of Flixton last Wednesday prior to the game when he was named as sub and has now decided he wants to play elsewhere. Lee's inability to turn up for training sessions brought him into conflict with the management and he has gone back to Mossley.It's a shame as both had the ability to improve the squad.

It also means that, since the start of the season, we've lost 5 forward players - Tom Bailey, Martin Parker, Mark Balfe, James Curly and Lee Blackshawe!

Club Badges

The Supporters Club badges have nor arrived and can be collected at next weeks Bootle game.

Flixton 1 GNE 2

“Where there’s muck there’s brass”. A well-known saying with roots in Yorkshire. As we know, brass in this context means money – more later - but if we use the word “brass” and relate it to brass bands we have the only link I know between Glossop and Flixton apart from the fact that my Great Aunt Ada once lived in Flixton. This last point may be of no significance at all to my dear readers so we can gloss over that one.

We may recall that Glossop is the town where the modern brass instrument valve was invented. Glossop Old Band has been around since the 1830s and, after more ups and downs than a trombonists elbow, are currently very successful and add significantly to the culture of our town.

Much is the same with Flixton Band. Formed as long ago as 1877, they went out of existence for a period of time in the middle of the 20th century but are now back again and going strong. This year they took part in six of the Whit Friday contests in the Saddleworth area picking up several second section prizes in what will be remembered as the worst Whit Friday weather for years – global warming!!!

Many are the memories of your ageing scribe of Whit Walks in Stalybridge following a brass band associated with St. Paul’s Church. Dressed in your best clothes this was, effectively, a money making (“brass making”) exercise for the walkers as friends and relatives dived out from the assembled crowds to thrust small coins in your blazer pocket. A threepenny bit (the 12 sided one) from family friends and a tanner (sadly not the silver one – I’m not that old!!) from relatives was the going rate in those pre-decimal days.

In many ways, the world of brass bands has more of a link to Rugby League than football with many of the more famous brass bands coming from towns and villages close to the M62. However, the presence of a brass band at Wembley Cup Finals is well known and versions of Abide With Me which do not feature a brass band are missing something somewhere. This subject has recently exercised the mind of Michael Calvin in Mirror Football who recently said “Of all the shameless opportunists attached to England’s team, the brass band are the worst”. Although, to be fair, I suspect that he was referring to the brass band in the crowd which has the somewhat annoying habit of playing the theme to The Great Escape over and over again - maybe they only know one tune?

We, of course, still recall “our day at Wembley” from not that long ago. This was almost the situation for Flixton FC in the 1995/6 season where they lost in the semi final to Brigg Town who then went on to win the Vase at the old Wembley.

Still, all this is history and the mighty GNE are in serious need of league points as we head off to the Valley Road Stadium – “The Lions Den”.

We arrive at the ground just as one of the GNE players, in track suit and carrying a kit bag, gets into his car and drives off – not a good sign perhaps.

£5 entrance and requests for a programme met with the rather surly comment “we’ve sold out mate” – for some reason, we do not believe this – no challenge at all here Neil.
Our voluble Chairman recalls a tale that on entering the Flixton ground, you were likely to be asked if you wanted a pie at half time – they sell so few that they take orders in advance! No comments about pies tonight, dear readers.

No sign of a brass band and not much sign of home support. Seems that Lions are an endangered species in this residential area of West Manchester. According to the Vodkat League website, the average attendance for league games here this season is 17 (yes, seventeen)! The GNE travelling army contribute 30 or so to a “crowd” of eerm 32 according to the Vodkat League website – make your own minds up on this one. The floodlights are already on as the nights draw in. They are rather low and playing havoc with your ageing scribe’s rose tinted varifocals. Must do something about this – perhaps a GNE baseball cap with a big neb would solve this one.

Much debate about where to unfurl the flag. The Supporters Club multi-talented events co-ordinator fails to take up the challenge of shinning up the side of the clubhouse to position the flag on the railings protecting the balcony on the first floor. It eventually appears near the dug outs opposite the clubhouse which is a two storey building, “well-appointed with a fully stocked bar and a large stage – suitable for all types of functions and available for hire at very reasonable rates”.

GNE line up with the Supporters Club preferred back four in the preferred positions – our ebullient Captain at right back. We fail to give the opposition the almost mandatory goal start and, after 45 minutes, it’s halftime. 1-1.

Retire to the well-appointed clubhouse for liquid sustenance – Tetley’s Extra Cold something (yuk) – to find more locals inside than outside. Seems that Man. U. v. Wolves on a big screen has more attraction than Flixton v. GNE live. Stark contrast here between two football matches happening less than 5 miles apart 32 at Flixton, over 51,000 at Old Trafford. After 45 minutes it’s half time with the match level at 0-0 oops, sorry, wrong match!

For the start of the second half, the crowd looks to be bigger – no, this is not people getting in at half time for nothing - and the clubhouse is all but empty. After 15 minutes there is a concerted move by the locals back into the clubhouse – the power of Sky TV eh.

A 10 man GNE score the winning goal in the very last minute – an event missed by the multi-talented Supporters Club events co-ordinator as he is inside the clubhouse making preparations for the journey home. A seriously needed three points in the bag and our voluble Chairman comments that the mighty GNE now have more league points than he has points on his driving licence – lets hope that it stays that way.

Next stop – Abbey Hey.

Quiz Night Cancelled

Due to a lack of bodies, Sundays quiz night has had to be cancelled.

Congleton Questions

Big game tomorrow with a lot of unanwered questions....

Will we name the same starting XI?
Will we get a lucky break?
Will we win a home game?
Will Dave Atki behave himself?
Will Haggis be missed on High Peak Radio?
Will someone stake a claim for Septembers Player of the
Month (please)?

Quiz Night

The next Quiz Night has been arranged for Sunday, the 27th of September, starting at 8.00pm. It will be held in the clubhouse and the entrance fee is £10 per team of 4 (food included).
Places are limited so if you wish to enter a team, or just want to take part, contact any member of the committee or add your team to the list on the Supporters Club Noticeboard in the clubhouse.

Septembers Supporters Club Meeting

The next meeting of the Supporters Club will be on Thursday, 17th of September. The meeting will be held in the clubhouse, starting at 7.30pm, and the bar will be open.
The committee will give an update on the progress made to date as well as discussing further plans for the club.
It is hoped that manager Steve Young will be in attendance from around 9pm .
This meeting will be for members only.

Septembers Supporters Club Meeting

The next meeting of the Supporters Club will be on Thursday, 17th of September. The meeting will be held in the clubhouse, starting at 7.30pm, and the bar will be open.
The committee will give an update on the progress made to date as well as discussing further plans for the club.
It is hoped that manager Steve Young will be in attendance from around 9pm .
This meeting will be for members only.

GNE 2 Chorley 3

Ah well, at least we can focus on the League....

Maine Rd 2 GNE 1

This week we mourn the death of Keith Waterhouse. A man who could be said to have invented a new meaning of the word “lunch” and was very well qualified for the epithet “a legend in his own lunchtime”. But what on earth (or in heaven or hell) does this sad passing have to do with football? Bear with me dear reader, bear with me.

In his middle to latter years, Mr. Waterhouse was well known for his columns in the Daily Mirror and, later, the Daily Mail where his political views were so far left of centre that had he played for the mighty GNE he would have been alone in Wickes’ car park when playing towards the KFC End.
Before this, Mr. Waterhouse came to the attention of the general public through such books as Billy Liar (1959). This book was one of many around that time which focussed on the “it’s grim up north” metaphor for life in the predominantly working class north of England. Similar books include “Room at the Top” – John Braine (1957); “Taste of Honey” – Sheila Delaney (1958); “Kind of Loving” – Stan Barstow (1960) and probably the daddy of them all “Look Back in Anger” – John Osborne (1956).
(Recommended reading – “There is a Happy Land” – Keith Waterhouse (1957) – which when purchased from amazon.com via easyfundraising.org brings a valuable financial contribution to the GNE Supporters Club and to GNE in general.
The relevance of all of this to football is that in many such books of the time football was used as an escape from the daily grind of repetitive factory jobs. And, to a large extent, this idea is perpetuated to this day in the title of the football magazine “When Saturday Comes”. Almost certainly, the crowds at football matches in the early post war years were the highest on record if we consider football at all levels.
Yet further evidence of the relevance of football to the culture of the 1950s comes in the form of the painting “Going to the Match” – L.S. Lowry (1953). Readers may recall that the Professional Footballers Association paid close to £2 million for this painting in 1999. It is, perhaps, relevant to note that “Going to the Match” features Burnden Park – Bolton but L.S. Lowry was a Manchester City supporter. Also of note is that what is now Maine Road FC was formed in 1955 by Manchester City Supporters.
But enough of life in the mid to late 50s as, by wallowing in nostalgia, there is a danger again of the vision of your ageing scribe being adversely affected by the light steaming up of rose-tinted glasses. Onward to Brantingham Road.

Close to the ground we find a suitable hostelry for liquid sustenance – organic real ales. Interesting, although a brew by the name of “Dobber” fails to impress. Good move this as we find out later that its cans only in the ground – remember Formby?

£1.50 for what could be described as a slightly confused programme – lots of information but not well laid out and somewhat repetitive – no worries here Neil. £5 entrance to the ground which is set in leafy Chorlton-cum-Hardy. Floodlights are already on. They are good but struggle to penetrate the persistent heavy rain sweeping in from the South West – a sign of things to come!

The Maine Road team are announced over the public address system and the name of Martin Parker is met with complete indifference by the 40 or so travelling GNE supporters – official crowd given as 125. We assemble in what appears to be an upmarket version of the Surrey Street scratting shed and unfurl the flags. This scratting shed then fails to maintain the early promise as a large drop of water leaks from between two corrugated metal roof panels and nearly extinguishes the cigarette of your ageing scribe. For the first time this season there are no signs of any Wembley memorabilia amongst the GNE supporters. To quote the seemingly immortal BB King, “The Thrill Has Gone” – a sign of things to come!

The match starts in something of a downpour with Maine Road in Sky Blue, no real surprise there, and GNE in White again – oh dear (or maybe not considering recent performances (very few) in Blue. Time to put this one to bed perhaps). GNE fail to take the lead as the ball sticks in the first patch of mud we have seen this season – a sign of things to come!

After 45 minutes it’s half time. 1-0 in favour of the home team and talk turns to pies. The “proud to be” Chairman of the Supporters Club describes the pies as “poisonous”. This comment, it turns out, is based on our visit to Brantingham Road last season. A diligent researcher notes that according to the Maine Road message board, the pie lady was awarded “Man of the Match” following a recent defeat by the home team to Ashton Athletic. Mixed messages here – or maybe not - but your ageing scribe fails to find any of our number who sampled a pie this time.

At the end of the match it is 2-1 to the home side and the always fair GNE travelling support wonder how the better team managed to lose as the sodden flags are taken down from the railings. The journey home is quiet as Oggie calculates that we have lost 13 league points already this season – yes we do care.

Oh Martin Parker ….

Another one bites the dust??

Stories doing the rounds before and after Saturdays game suggest Nick Allen may be about to leave the club. It wouldn't be a great surprise as he has struggled to nail down a starting position, another one to suffer from the versatility tag??

Anyway, seems like we've taken up the New Mills model of squad rotation!

August Player of the Month - Adam Oakes

It was a close run thing, coming down to just 1 vote, but Adam Oakes has become the Supporters Clubs 1st 'Player of the Month'.
Adam was presented with his award by Supporters Club Chairman Nick Tansley prior to Saturdays home game with Squires Gate.