Player of the Month - November

Well, you don't have to be Bamber Gascoigne to work out it wasn't the best November for Trafford FC. We are struggling towards the bottom of the table and without a win since... errr... BUT (the first of two buts) despite this, there have still been some decent performances. Whilst his goals haven't been rewarded with wins, they have given us fans something to cheer... So well done SHELTON PAYNE, you are the supporters player of the month for November.

As mentioned, we have been struggling as of late BUT (but number two), us supporters have faith and with players like Shelton, and the rest, all playing at their best we believe it is only a matter of time before the points come. So get playing your best, eh? ;-)

So well done Shelton and come on Trafford... BELIEVE!!!

Shelton receiving his POTM award from supporter Andrew 'Sempie' Semple

Next Meeting

Next supporters meeting is THIS SATURDAY (6th), 1:30 at Bird in Hand pub. Meeting will be finished by 2:15.
If you can't make the meeting but would like to vote for your player of the month then message me before Sat.

Hopefully see you ALL Saturday (at least at the game) giving the boys our support!

Glinks
#traffordfamily

Christmas Curry

Slight change of plan... This years Christmas Curry will take place at Trafford FC Clubhouse, still on Saturday 13th September, 7.30pm. The food will still be supplied by The Decaan Restaurant.

As a result, the price is now £15 per person (instead of £20).

We can fit 30 people with the tables rearranged so its first come first served on tickets. Last years was a great night and success.

If you would like to come then let me know via email/twitter/in person ASAP with how many (a deposit of £10 will be required before the event though).

Cheers

Glinka

Players of the Month (October) Photograph

Yesterday was our first home league game in what felt like forever and it gave the supporters club the chance to finally give Rory Fallon and Chris Palmer their POTM awards.

(L-R; Supporter Tim Stephens with Chris Palmer and Rory Fallon receiving his award from Andy Glinka)

Going back to yesterdays game, it was another tough day at the office. A new CB pairing saw us compete evenly with Halesowen for the full 90 minutes, the difference being they finished their chances and we didn't. I must say, the Halesowen fans were great and a massive well done to them!
In terms of Traffords MOTM, it was a close call but debutante Cliff Moyo really stood out with a solid game and some good composure... he looks like he'll be a top player for Trafford. 

The defeat see's us now in the bottom four and whilst it looks a little nervous being down there, the players are not far away from getting some wins. The supporters will definitely keep the faith and with some key players back in the coming week or so, we can be positive about the up coming games.

Keep it going everyone! #believe #traffordfamily

Christmas Curry 2014

After last years successful event, we are pleased to announce that the Trafford FC Supporters' Club Curry Night 2014 has been booked!
Put it in your diary's - Saturday 13th December. Again it will be at the Deccan in Urmston.

The price is £20 per person. This includes a 3 course meal and your raffle tickets for the evening! If you don't like curries, worry not as you can order some non-curry meals such as steak and chips.

Lots of fun, prizes, great food and even better company to be had. To book, please speak to Melody Stephens or myself and pay a £10 deposit a.s.a.p.

Cheers, Glinka

#TraffordFamily

Player of the Month - October

Whilst October proved a frustrating month in terms of results, there were some really good performances and with a little more luck, we really could have gone the month unbeaten!

Baring this in mind there were a few candidates for the supporters club's player of the month award and once again we decided on a joint award. CHRIS PALMER and RORY FALLON. Palmer has stepped in recently to cover injuries and has been brilliant, always giving 100% with quality as well. Rory, well Rory is Rory. A firm supporters'club favourite he never seems to have a bad game.

So well done boys and here's to a better November in terms of result.

Next Meeting

Just to remind/inform people, the next supporters meeting will be on November 6th, at the Bird ith Hand, 7.30 start.
Be great to see as many people as possible there, your help really does matter and is appreciated.

Before then, the team travel to Ossett Town in the FA Trophy... Our support could prove vital so let's be on top form!!!
And on Tuesday we entertain Marine. Another massive game and there is even a half time crossbar challenge featuring some members of the supporters club. Worth coming just to see that!!!

Glinka

Foxy the Fox...

This time last week Trafford FC hosted Nantwich and put on a great team performance in winning 4 -0. Shelton Payne was later voted man of the match for his hat-trick but perhaps the role of club mascot, Foxy the Fox shouldn't go unnoticed.
For during this game, the Mascot outfit was expertly worn by yours truly, supporters club chairman, Andy Glinka. Clearly this brought the team good luck and obviously contributed massively to the win. Non more so than when walking around the pitch (unable to see any of the game through my steamed up glasses), I stopped and stood next to John Eadie (club chairman) just as Trafford were awarded a free kick. He told me 'we'  had been playing well but needed a goal. I told him not to worry as I'll make Shelts score from the free kick... the rest is history!

Unfortunately, I have had to retire as club mascot due to bad drinking habits, but fear not, Foxy the Fox lives on and you can even have a go at today's TFC raffle to have a chance to take a penalty against him/her/it during half-time (Dave Hornby).

Andy Glinka as Foxy the Fox (centre) with Richie (left) and Melody (right)

Trafford FC/Supporters Club Band Night

Trafford FC/TFCSC would like to invite you to a live band night on Friday 24th October. Full details can be seen below. It promises to be great fundraising night as well as an opportunity to celebrate our great club, Trafford!

Lots of beers, laughs and music to enjoy. EVERYONE is invited... friends, family, associates... the more the merrier!

Player of the Month - September

After an up and down month that has seen lots of attacking football and goals, the supporters club have awarded the POTM award for September to not just one, but two players... SHELTON PAYNE and MICHAEL OATES.
Both scored 7 a piece (with Shelton  now on 10 and top of the scoring charts) and both have also contributed to some cracking team football.
So well done to Shelts and Oatsey and good luck to all the team for October, starting with 3pts today please.

Michael Oates (middle left) and Shelton Payne (middle right) receiving POTM award from supporters members Melody (left) and Simon (right)

Quiz Night at Trafford Football Club

On Friday 3rd October there is a quiz night at Trafford Football Club. The quiz will start at 8.30pm with a buffet selection also.

All are welcome so bring friends, family, partners!

There will also be a supporters meeting just prior to the quiz, starting at 7.30pm, again all are welcome. Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Hope to see you there,

Glinks

POTM Photo - Tom Schofield

As previously mentioned, Tom Schofield was named as the supporters' club player of the month for August. Here he is with Trafford FC mascot, Foxxy and TFCSC's Ian Murden. Once again, well done Tom, well deserved!

(L-R) Tom Schofield, Foxxxy and Ian Murden

POTM AUGUST

So if we erase Ilkeston from our memories, it's not been a bad start to our season. Some solid performances and a tough away win at Kings Lynn.

On Thursday the supporters decided on the Trafford FC player of the month for August. The contenders were: Mini Mason, Nia Bayunu, Tom Schofield and Shelton Payne.

In the end and despite a red card v FC UTD, we chose TOM SCHOFIELD as our POTM. Tom is a cracking player and has started the season with some quality performances, which has continued into September as he was MOTM v Whitby. So we'll done Tom and all at Trafford.

#traffordfamily

Next Meeting

The next TFCSC meeting will be on Thursday 4th September at TFC clubhouse. 7.30 start. The meeting will last no more than an hour.

It really would be great to see you all there, your views really do matter.

See you there

Glinks

MOTM v FC UTD

It might not have lived up to last years game in terms of entertainment but after Saturdays game, Trafford put in a much improved performance and took a well deserved point to boost our confidence.

A sluggish start saw Tommy Read called into action on a number of occasions, non more than the 2nd minute when a he saved a soft FC penalty that was given after their player went rather theatrically.

The grand master of penalties would later show how to score a penalty when he calmly equalized from the spot on the stroke of half time.

The second half was fairly even, not much in the way of chances apart from Joe Shaws pass back when through on goal for Trafford and Tommy Reads world class save from a downward header... think Gordon Banks v Brazil. It was a quality save that drew a round of applause from everyone at the game.

The last few minutes saw some heavy FC possesion. Trafford weren't helped by the otherwise superb Tom Schofield being sent off late on but the defence dealt with anything that came their way without much trouble.

As I mentioned, it was a much improved performance from everyone after Saturdays heavy defeat and Karl Vaughan had a few players in mind when selecting the TFCSC MOTM. Big shout outs to Mini and Nia at the back and Tommy Schofield who was quality (despite the red card) but in the end for a big penalty save and a spot on Gordon Banks impression, Karl went for Tommy Read as man of the match. Well done Tommy and and a massive pat on the back to all the other lads... play like that same intensity every week and we'll get that first win under our belts sooner rather than later.

One last shout out to Will Ahern. It was great to see you back playing and what with Joe Shaw it is genuinely like having 2 new signings... COME ON THE WHITES!!!!

FC UTD GAME

Like you all need reminding... its Trafford v FC United this bank holiday Monday. Whilst it is a massive game for everyone involved it is also a massive game in terms the effort required in to making sure it runs smoothly.

Last season the attendance was 1400, and it is expected to be around the same this time (if not bigger). To manage this gate, the club are looking for a number of volunteers to help out on the day. Assistance in selling golden goal and raffle tickets as well as stewarding the hills. If you are interested in helping out please contact anyone at the supporters club or any committee member of TFC. You would be required from around 1pm, you won't have to pay in but please note, NO drinking of alcohol will be allowed whilst volunteering.

Thanks in advance from everyone at the club.

Season opener... v Matlock Town

So we waited all summer and the season finally arrived... And did it arrive with a bang? Errr not quite!
Firstly, a few of the Trafford faithful watched the warm up act and were left feeling flat after United seemingly looking no better than last season as they were beaten by Swansea... Then we looked to Trafford in the main event to pick us up... However the game never really got going. A close game, perhaps just shaded by us (mainly looking at Chrisy Palmers headed chance near the end) but a draw was fair overall.
Big shout outs to Nia and Mini Mason at the back but Richie's TFCSC's MOTM went to Joe Shaw. It's great to see Joe back and hopefully he'll stay fit for the season.

Another player out at the minute who had the (dis)pleasure of watching the game with us was Simon Hackney, a great lad who we hope is back playing soon.

Onwards and upwards as we travel to Marine tonight for our first away game...

#traffordfamily

Meeting and Quiz Night

Well the friendlies are under way and the new season is not long off.
Oh how we've missed you!

To kick things off in style we are having a supporters meeting and quiz night on Friday 15th August at TFC clubhouse, 7.30 start.

The night will be an opportunity for all fans of Trafford FC to come along and see what TFCSC are about and (maybe) join the supporters club for the forth coming season. The meeting will start at 7.30 with the quiz getting under way at 8.30. There will be a chance to win a VIP experience at a TFC home game, so don't miss out!

If you can't make the meeting but would like to join/renew your membership for the supporters club then please speak to either myself (Glinka), Sempie or Melody. Membership is £10 and goes towards helping our beloved Trafford.

Looking forward to see you there,
Glinks

£2 a pint...

Trafford FC are having a night of celebration to say thanks for such a great season. Here is the info straight from the horses mouth... 

Well that's another season over and what a season, great performances on and off the pitch and a cup at the end to boot.

So now with the last ball kicked and ground improvements already underway, there's only one thing left to do.

Say a big thank you to all the management, players, supporters and their families !!!

 Trafford Football Club would like to invite everyone to the clubhouse for a social evening on

Friday 30th May , 8.00pm

To include a quiz for all the family, buffet AND as a thanks...................... PINTS AT £2 !!!!!!

So please come along  to finish off the season with a great evening among friends.

I'm sure going to be there, hopefully you will too!

Next meeting

As mentioned, our next meeting is Saturday 10th May, 7.30pm at TFC club house.

This is our last meeting of the season and there will also be a quiz afterwards plus a buffet. If anyone could contribute any food towards the buffet then that would also be appreciated.

We are also hoping the Manchester Premier Trophy will be in attendance, which will make for some great photo opportunities!

Remember, ALL are welcome... friends, partners, football fans and non football fans. It will also be a family friendly night, so if you want to be bring the whole family you are more than welcome.

Hope to see you all there.

Exclusive Adnan Januzaj Auction

For all Manchester United/football fans... Trafford FC Supporters Club have some exclusive Adnan Januzaj items going up for auction!

We have a personal signed boot, encased in a glass box and a signed Evostik ball, again encased in a glass box.

These are two outstanding items that are available to the highest bidder at Trafford FC's awards presentation at the Nags Head on Friday 16th May.

If you can't make the presentation night but would still like to place a bid then you can email me your bid via 
traffordfcsc@gmail.com 

Cheers and good luck

Last Meeting (of the season)

Well, well, well... what a season!
Monday night was the perfect way to cap it off. We played some fantastic football in the second half and were unlucky not to win it in the 90 minutes.

To reminisce over the season and discuss other matters, we are having our last meeting of the season on Saturday May 10th at Trafford FC clubhouse, 7.30pm start.

John Eadie is also doing a quiz afterwards so it will be a nice chance to have a few beers, discuss our cup heroics as well as trying to beat the Stephens' at a quiz!

It really would be amazing to see you all there, bring friends, partners... the more the merrier! If you can't make the meeting at 7.30 but would still like to come to the quiz then please get there for 8.15.

Cheers all,

Andy Glinka

Ilkeston

So the league season is now over and we have secured a top 10 finish. Despite yesterdays defeat there were lots of positives, mainly the fact we finished the game with 8 players aged 19 or younger and seeing Joe Shaw start a game after such a horrific time out with injury!

I must say the Ilkeston fans were outstanding, they brought a real carnival atmosphere with them and the banter with them and their manager was great. Good luck to them next season!

As for ourselves, anything is possible with Trafford but I just hope we do ourselves proud on Monday against Hyde, I know us fans will give it our all!

See you Monday!

Last Home game of a wonderful season...

Well what a season! Yes, there have been some lows but in the main it has been nothing short of fantastic! It's been our first season as an official supporters club and I think what we have achieved, even in the face of some minor disruptions, has been nothing short of amazing... just like the team itself! I don't think anyone really expected us to be where we are after our first season in this league.

Our last game of the league season is this Saturday (26th April) against Ilkeston. I've heard Ilkeston are bringing a few fans so hopefully we can all turn up to support the super whites and thank them for our great season!

Lets also not forget, we have a small matter of a cup final on April 28th at Gigg Lane where we can really finish of the season on a massive high!

As well as these last two games, we have the usual player of season awards to be announced as well as our own supporters' club special award... more will be revealed later!!!

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks to EVERYONE at Trafford, especially the players and coaching staff for a superb season. It's been a pleasure to watch!

POTM - March

As earlier announced, Reece Welsh was voted the supporters club player of the month for March.

He was presented with his bottle of fizz by Supporters' member, George before Saturdays home game against Stafford.

Well done again to Reece and a massive well done to all at Trafford FC for an outstanding season!

Reece with his award, given by George Stephenson

Away Days - Nantwich Town

Away Days – Nantwich Town FC Saturday 5^th April 2014:

‘Watch my cape’ & ‘Mr 50p head’…..two unpredictable quotes of the day…….to be explained later….

So thankfully Nantwich isn’t a million miles away and the start wasn’t too early for this supporter!

We were picked up at the gentle and Godly hour of 11.30am by our local taxi driver Sempie who was ably assisted by his navigator, the Lovely Lynda.

W e were greeted at the Fun Bus cheerily by Dave Murray, the Trafford fox that is Foxxy, Paul and Old George…all eager beavers.

Seats were selected and the picnic packed away overhead (never does Tim go anywhere unprepared) and we sat and waited for the bus to fill up……and slowly it did. The players and committee all arrived and as predicted by Lynda, ‘The Management’ were the last to grace us with their presence…and we were off…….

The journey was only a short one with not much time for anything other than Foxxy to make the rounds with a sweep for the Grand National, and for Tim to tuck into the butties. Well ok yeah – I did manage a couple myself and perhaps a little sausage roll….didn’t want them to go to waste!

We arrived in Nantwich and dropped the ever ready explorer Cappy off in the town centre and we carried on for the whole extra long 2 minutes to the ground.

Paul, our driver, was obviously feeling a little daring as he took the challenge to drive over the ‘bridge’ which was apparently weak according to the little sign that nobody saw except for Tim ‘Hawkeye’ Stephens……but we all survived and there were no casualties……

Off the players trotted, through the club shop into the ground……while we were left to stand around outside until the turnstiles could be opened.

This gave us the opportunity to pose the question ‘why are Nantwich Town known as ‘The Dabbers’? We all looked to Brian Griffin to furnish us with the answer……having played three seasons with them in his footballing career he was shamefaced in telling us he didn’t know……so off went Old George into the club shop to make enquires….  My theory that there was once an old woman who was somebody’s Nan who was thought to be a witch was not quite on the mark……..turns out it was something to do with a canon…at that point I lost interest so still can’t tell you the answer.

Eventually we were allowed in. I think it was because we were all looking menacingly like we could storm the gates at any second….but more likely that they had managed to find the float….

Into the ground we went – very nice and very new…..Tim straight away eyeing up the food menu at the snack hut and the prices……he takes his outside catering way too seriously….

The ground, as I said, looked good. The clubhouse/function room was above the incorporated seated stand and up the stairs we trotted to sample the local produce….yeah OK I do mean booze..which was, I have been told very pricey (I am oblivious to such trivia, as long as I have a drink in my hand I don’t care how much Tim had to pay for it J).

We sat around chatting and drinking, drinking and chatting…and then we were joined by our right honourable Supporters’ Club Mr Chairman Andy Glinka and the lovely as ever Lady Helen Glinka, who had driven t to the match. Andy said he’d had the BEST time ever enjoying the delights of Nantwich’s myriad of Charity Shops on the hunt for an ‘old’ cocktail shaker for Helen. I am pretty sure Sempie would have shook her up a cocktail if she’d asked.. (sorry Semps!) Instead though, she had managed to buy a book on Psychology…still looking for tips on how to handle Glinka…but as I told her, that book hasn’t been written yet!

Then the fun really started as the ‘Dave Hornby Booze Cruise Groovy Gang’ arrived. Now they tried to tell us they were in some kind of fancy dress outfits but we all knew they were still in their Friday night disco dancing gear from the night before. So into the room burst Dave ‘Ronald Macdonald on acid’ Hornby in a very fetching outfit complete with blue curly wig……. I have got to say he suited blue…… I have got to say he suited hair! J Accompanied by Batman, Paul ‘Austin Powers’ Pudding Hornby (or as Helen pointed out – Alan Carr), the rather bedraggled looking ‘Comedy Scouser’ (ay ay calm down la’ calm down) and who we came to call ‘Jethro’ looking very attractive in dungarees and flowing blond locks (don’t ask where his hands always were)……I’m not sure what the locals quite made of them but who cared??? It added some great colour and fun to the day. Oh, and do I really need to add that in true Rowley Birkin fashion they were all, ‘very, very, drunk’.

So to the match itself… out we went to do what we had come such a long way for – watch the match and support the Super Whites. I am not a football reporter so I am not going to attempt to describe the match (although there could be some people who would possibly be in need of a blow by blow report of what happened on the pitch because there are those who strangely chose to spend the whole 90 minutes with their head down playing with their phones????)……our supporters mostly all stood together in the other covered stand on the opposite side of the ground to the clubhouse and close to some Dabbers supporters who were equipped with a drum….but that was fine because we were equally well equipped with Dave Hornby and his Groovy Gang! We really did have some great banter with them and they had one particular supporter who gets a special mention, sporting a jaunty hat, with whom we had a proper good laugh. We could do with him at Shawe View! 

The Trafford support were in fine voice and there was seldom a quiet spell where one lot of fans or the other were not either singing or banging…….then came half time…..time for the Groovy Gang to get back to doing what they do well…drinking! With a sweeping movement and fleet of foot, off went Batman closely followed by The Comedy Scouser and then came the first quote of the day…..The black curly hair bewigged, red tracksuit wearing ‘Scouser’ got a little too close for comfort to our Superhero who turned and uttered those immortal words ‘watch my cape!!’ ……… surreal!

More drinks were consumed during half time (plus a delish cupcake courtesy of the lovely birthday girl Gillian Hughes – happy birthday Aunty GillianJ) and before we knew it, it was time for the second half (did I mention it was nil –nil??).

More singing, more banter and fun and then came the second memorable quote of the day……our very own Jethro (both hands still in untold places) shouted at one of the home team ‘Mr 50p head’…….to a lot of laughs……I still don’t know what it means but it was funny!

My other particular highlights were Helen’s shouts all through the match of ‘come on Mini Mason!!’ and ‘oi!! get your hands off Mini Mason’ if any of the opposition went anywhere near our Steve ‘Mini’ Mason….. there was a real sense of impending danger of her invading the pitch…good job she hadn’t been drinking!! Note to the Chairman – please try and bring Helen more often!!

Then we scored!!! Was it Rory Fallon?? Was it Martyn Andrews???? Nobody seemed to know but who cares?? We were one up with not long left to go and we were all ecstatic. It was a great feeling nicking a late goal, as that was what they had done to us at Shawe View earlier in the season. It was later confirmed by Rory himself that it is was a Martyn Andrews match winner.

After four nervy added minutes we were victorious!! Three more lovely points to take home with us all the way back to Shawe View.

A few more pre-Fun Bus drinks in the clubhouse were had by all and then before we knew it, we were back on board after managing the long walk to the coach (having been asked to move it back across the ‘weak bridge’ just after arriving). It was a struggle but with everyone supporting each other we all survived it.

Then for the arduous journey home. The Fun Bus made a brief stop at a local Co-Op for a stock up on essentials…..which nearly included an instant family for Ant as he was followed very closely out of the shop by a young mother and child!

Soon the twinkling lights of the Trafford Centre were in sight and we were on the home straight. The usual drop off at the Nag’s Head was made where our lovely redneck Jethro was stood in the doorway ready to welcome GV and his followers….hands still unmoved from the  comfort of his dungarees……blond hair blowing seductively in the breeze!

 Another fab away day was at an end…..roll on the next one!!

Points:

Ground 8 – very new and bright but not cosy like The View

Food 8 for the Cornish pasty, 7 for the hotdog (Tim says substantial but too beefy) with a point deduction for running out of cottage pies so an overall average of 7 awarded by our resident food critic.

Value for money 6 – entry fee higher than The View at £9, programme a bit poor (too many adverts & not enough info) and apparently the bar prices were way too high for our boys and girls.

Home supporters – 10 out of 10 for the dude with the hat J

Player of the Month, March - Rees Welsh

Whilst March was an up and down month in terms of results, it was a month that pretty much guaranteed safety. Which is something many of us would of been happy with from the out set. The fact is we have more than held our own and with a strong finish, we could even finish in the top 10...what a great season! (and that's not even mentioning the cup final!)

Anyway, back to the POTM. At yesterdays meeting we voted between Shelton Payne and Rees Welsh for our March award. Shelton had a prolific March in terms of goals scored and has filled in well playing up front for the injured Michael Oates. However, Rees Welsh was in the end voted POTM for March. I think in particular, Rees has been outstanding the last 3 or 4 games and during a less than average team performance v Barwell, Rees stood out. He has been fantastic going forward, creating chances but he has also improved defensively and is looking more and more at home in a Trafford shirt!

Well done to Rees from all at the supporters club and good luck for the remainder of the season.

Nantwich away

Dave Hornby is running his own 'fun bus' for Sayurdays game at Nantwich. There are a few seats available if you are interested in coming, it is always a goose laugh. For more details or to secure a seat please contact me asap.

Cheers
Andy Glinka

Next Meeting

As previously posted, our next meeting is at the Nags Head, this Friday (4th) at 7.30pm. The meeting will take place in a private room and afterwards the Nags Head have a karaoke night. So those that wish to stay for a few drinks and have a little sing song whilst chatting footy can do!

This is our last meeting before the season ends so it really would be great to see you all there for the meeting and for some drinks after... bring a friend and spread the word!

(Belated) MOTM v Barwell

To be honest, myself and Mr Semp struggled to pick a man of the match for this game, mainly down to the fact the players themselves struggled on the day to match Barwell's aggression and desire. 

I thought Tommy Schofield did well once he came on but our best player was probably REECE WELSH. FReece had a cracking game last week against Worksop and has been a real attacking threat as well as providing some solid defensive work. I know this is little consolation for getting beat but well done to Reece and good luck for the rest of the season

We deservedly lost but sometimes you have days like that, so heads up and on to our next game away to Nantwich. COME ON YOU WHITES!!!!

Marathon Man Matt Brown

On Sunday 6th April Trafford FC’s Matt Brown will be running the full 26 ¼ miles in support of Trafford FC and St Anne’s Hospice. Speaking to the website Matt says “I’ve always fancied running a full marathon after doing a couple of halves over the years. I’ve been training for last 3 months or so sometimes on cold winters night which has been fun (honest), so hopefully I’ll get round.

I’ve chosen to support 2 causes very dear to my heart in St Anne’s Hospice who do a fantastic job looking after Cancer patients and who couldn’t exist without charitable donations and Trafford FC’s new clubhouse fund. If you would like to sponsor me then I would be really grateful in supporting St Anne’s Hospice & Trafford FC.

Thanks for reading, Matt

Good luck to Matt Brown from all at the supporters' club and if you would like to sponsor him then please contact him directly or email me your details and I will pass them on. I think we can all agree they are for two great causes.

Next Meeting

The supporters clubs next meeting is on Friday 4th April, 7.30 at the Nags Head. The meeting will be in a private room upstairs. This is our last meeting BEFORE the end of the season with lots to decide!

It would be great to see as many faces there as possible.

MotM v Worksop

Well done once again to Ste Mason who was Adrian Abbott's choice for man of the match. All our defenders had a tough game against a very big and physical team. I must also mention Reece Welch who I thought a had a very good game.
Well done to Worksop who perhaps just shaded it overall and good luck to them in their pursuit for the title.
As for Trafford, we travel to Stocksbridge this Sat with a top 10 finish in our sights. Good luck to all the lads (and Robyn)

#TraffordFamily

MOTM v Stocksbridge - Ste Mason

Clearly spurred on from his POTM award, Ste Mason went on to be chosen as the man of the match against Stocksbridge.

In a pretty flat game in all honesty, Ste Mason stood out with another solid and committed performance. He and Nia have been excellent these last few months and along with Tommy Reid, I thought they were the stand out performers from yesterdays game.

But in the end TFCSC's Mark Jones rightly chose Ste Mason. Well done Ste and everyone at TFC. Another 3 points on the board and now lets aim for a top 10 finish!

#traffordfamily

Player of the Month February - Ste 'Mini' Mason

A bit later than normal (due to a later than normal supporters' meeting) but the presentation for the POTM award was decided on Friday and the winner, Ste Mason was presented with his bottle of fizz at yesterdays home match against Stocksbridge.

Well done to Mini from all at the supporters' club and good luck for the rest of the season.

Ste Mason being presented his award from TFCSC's Sempie

Apologies also to Nia, who picked up the POTM award for January but due to a combination of home games getting cancelled and forgetfulness on our behalf, Nia was never given his bottle of the co-ops finest!

This was rightly rectified yesterday when Mark Jones finally handed it over. A belated and deserved well done to Nia!

Mark Jones with Nia Bayunu

Away Days - Buxton

Compared to some of the journeys this year we are almost neighbours with the team from the lovely spa town so it was a leisurely noon start for Tony’s Bus Tours.  Sadly we were missing our toffee provider and general  organiser  Tintin, but the Silver Fox reported he is recovering well in hospital from his recent surgery.  Everyone sends him very best wishes for a speedy recovery and return to the club – after all someone needs to repair those divots.

It was a very pleasant journey, stopping to pick up several players at Hazel Grove, and listening to Brian’s stories of when he played for Buxton and training on pitches covered in a foot of snow.  Well Buxton’s Silverlands stadium is the highest ground in the country so anything could happen. It was at the top of a rather steep hill so we were very happy to hear the club house was open and showing a bit of football on the telly. A very nice chap went to open the club shop for a few of us to buy our badges, the thing I love most about non-league are the characters you find at every club helping keep this level of football alive. Long may they continue.  We settled into a very nice clubhouse for a few drinks and to see a rare Manchester United win on the telly (and I am a fan so I can say it).  Our numbers were growing as lots of Trafford fans had made the journey by train, the shorter journey certainly makes it easier for dads and lads to come along. 

With kick off 15 minutes away  it was time for a spot of lunch, and a very nice burger it was too, the pie and chips seemed to score highly as well.  There was a nice “tribute” wall by the Brassiere – small engraved bricks with names of fans past and present and some sponsors too,  something we could look doing in the future maybe.

Well it was a bit breezy out in the open so I left Sempie and went to sit in the stands with Smarty’s mum and dad  and Nia’s  Auntie Gillian -  I am just a glory hunter really, sticking close to the family of our “superstars” 

Unfortunately the game wasn’t as pleasant as the view, we were playing uphill on a pitch that wasn’t too good. Both teams were falling over a lot and plenty of pushing and pulling going on but not much flowing football. Tom Read pulled off some great saves from close range to keep it level but there wasn’t much he could do on 42 minutes when Buxton favourite “Kingy” scored.  We sloped off at half time for some much needed refreshment.

Second half we abandoned the stand for a pitch side seat. Yes after all these years Sempie really did make the bench!!  The second half was like a different game, we started passing the ball around and sure enough on 63 minutes Michael Oates (is Trafford’s number 9) popped the ball in the net.  Oh the relief, obviously playing downhill really did make a difference – well it did to Simon Hackney who scored a fabulous goal on 76 minutes to send his team mates and fans into a frenzy.  When the final whistle eventually came – a good 5 minutes after it should have, Trafford had reached a magic 50 points in this league!  Not bad for the “little team from behind The Bird in Hand”  The Buxton fans were very complimentary but are getting a bit nervous about their own teams prospects for the rest of the season. I hope they do ok as I liked the ground and the people very much and look forward to going there again next season. Even Mr Brown Senior, a confirmed pessimist, thinks we are safe now.

A few drinks later and a speedy journey saw me “home alone” while Sempie went to discuss tictacs or something like in The Nag for next week. Hopefully by then, our supporters club will be heading back to full strength with Tim returning to fitness – sales of hotdogs have slumped without him.

My Man of the Match  -  Tom Read

Race Night

The race night held on Friday 28th February was a massive success. Thanks to all those who took part by either sponsoring a race, buying a horse, turning up on the night to have a flutter and take part in the the fun and to all those who donated food and raffle prizes.
We are very pleased to announce that you all helped to raise an outstanding and rather devilish amount of £666..... So a very big thanks to all who helped achieve this!
Particular thanks from us all at the Supporters' Club go to Nick Brown, who gave up his time to host the event to his usual high standard! Our thanks also go to John Eadie, who gave his time to run the betting desk with Andy Semple ably assisting! Thanks guys!

Our next fundraiser is yet to be decided but any suggestions are very welcome so please feel free to pass on any ideas to any member of the Supporters' Club.

After the amazing success of the Christmas Curry Night we do intend to have an End of Season Curry Night. Details to be announced soon.

Next Meeting

The next supporters meeting is on Friday 14th March at TFC clubhouse, 7.30.
We will be deciding the POTM for February, amongst other things.

After the great turn out from the race night (details from the night coming later), it would be fantastic to see you all there for the meeting.

Away Days - King's Lynn Town

I'd been a good husband this week but it was still to my surprise that my day pass out had been granted, and I mean DAY pass!

I arrived at the coach at 8.20 am and stumbled through the front door at 10.30 pm in a state! This rock that is pounding away at my head as I write this though is worth it for what a day it was!

We were all set and ready to leave on time... apart from Matt Brown, who lives 5 mins away from our departure point yet still struggles to make it on time. 8.35 and his car pulls up, only 5 minutes late, much to the annoyance of Foxy! Off we set to King's Lynn. An hour into the journey and quiz time. First quiz was on football and it was teams of two, except me who was on my jack jones as Nick was quiz master. I came a credible 4th (or joint second to last!). The winners were the management team of GV and Goodie and they are adamant that the iPad on their lap was in no way a 3rd member of their team.

Next quiz and general knowledge. I can't really remember much of this quiz and I especially can't remember where I finished. As a result I'll just skip over this part!

We arrived at our first stopping (breakfast) at 11.20 (ish). Another great pub with a decent breakfast. Outside we met a woman who was very amused at the idea we were drinking pints before our big game. "He (Cappy) plays better after a few pints" Matt Brown told her. She seemed half cut herself but still doubted that we could be athletes! The banter continued to flow and just before we set off, the woman was offering her number out! What kind of away day was this? Being the responsible husband that I am, I obviously took her number. We had made such an impression on her that she was now a Trafford FC convert and wanted someone to text her the result. Trafford FC Supporters' Club, Sleaford branch!

Back on the fun bus and the energy was up. Maybe something to do with the alcohol. I'm not sure. Laughs were being had and then we started talking about getting a proper fun bus. Now, as chairman of the supporters' club, I made the executive but more importantly, the right decision of sanctioning these two buses:

For mid-week games

The fun bus of all fun buses; The Hot Tub Fun Bus!

The price of a seat on the coach would have to go up considerably but I'm sure you'll all agree it is worth it. El president himself, Dave Brown, saw the potential in the purchase and thought it would not only benefit the players on such long journey's but also raise the moral of everyone. 

After being stuck behind a lorry moving at incredible speeds of 40mph, we finally arrived at King's Lynn FC at 1.30. Just the five hours after we set off. The sun was out and we were all in a good mood. We headed off to a nearby pub, where I somehow ended up drinking 4 pints in just over an hour. This is what happens when there is poor communication when rounds are being done. Oh and despite the four pints (or maybe because of them!), I proved unbeatable at pool. 5 games and 5 wins! Fourth pint downed, some actually in my mouth, most down my chin and jumper and off through the park to the match. 

Inside the ground, once i'd paid £10 for an actual ticket (I should think so for £10!), I headed straight to the bar (surprise, surprise). And a very swanky bar it was too. Very posh, now I see why they had to charge £10. In fact, the whole facilities and stand at King's Lynn is probably the best I've seen. Very decent indeed. They even show the game inside the bar... live! Why you would choose to pay £10 (did I metion it cost £10 to get in?) just to watch a game on TV when it is going on outside the bar you are in. Am I making sense? Does that make sense...?

Anyway, we selected our spot for the half and as the whistle blew we were just hoping to finish the game with 11 players. Some King's Lynn fans even joked "how many are you gonna have sent off today then?"

Well 10 minutes in and we might as well have been playing with 8 men again as we were 2 down! A cracking double save from Kieran to keep us 2 down and still in the game. Half Time couldn't come quick enough! The 2nd half started and despite the score and even worse performance, I still believed we could get something... 

... 4 minutes into the half and a well worked corner ended in the back of the net. Shelton Payne. 2-1. We went on to dominate most the 2nd half but we couldn't apply a goal to our play. 90 minutes were up. One more chance, come on. The ball was whipped in. I don't remember by who, the alcohol had well and truly kicked in by now. The result was a magical diving header from 20 yards out by Michael Oates*. Into the top corner it flew and delirium for us! What a point! 

Once we applauded the lads off we headed to the bar in a great mood.Now it's from this point on that matters are a bit sketchy. I often have memory black outs when drinking. It is very normal for me but it was only 5 pm! I don't know how long we stayed in the club bar. I don;t remember getting on the coach, let alone off it. I do vaguely remember being in a garage and telling Martyn Andrews he was our best player and then walking out with 4 cans of Strongbow. I really don't think I needed them. 

The next thing I'm waking up in my bed. I look at the time and it's 8.00 am. Apparently I got in at 10.30. Today I am paying for my antics with the headache of all headaches and many dirty looks off the wife. Both are worth it though for what was a cracking away day!

Oh and happy birthday to Nia. One to remember hopefully, or can't if your me!

I haven't proof read this as my head hurts. If it doesn't make sense or there are mistakes through out - tough!

*I might have exaggerated a little with the goal description but that is how it felt from the sidelines!

Ratings

Game - 9 (we kept 11 men on the pitch and great comeback)

Ground - 9

Food - No idea. 

Beer - 8. It did its job!

Fans - 9. Decent folk

Value for money - 8 (a bit pricey but great set up)

MOTM - Martyn Andrews

No Need For Volunteers

Just to inform everyone that the club no longer needs any volunteers for this Sunday 23rd. 

Cheers

Mossley Away

Trafford are in the Manchester Cup Semi Finals and on Wednesday 26th February we face Mossley (away) in a one off tie for a place in the final, which was played at Stockport County's ground last year.

A trophy would cap a so far, great season for Trafford, and our support can only help them achieve this. 

Dave Hornby has organised another supporters fun bus at cost price... £5 gets you there and back with the bus leaving the Nags Head at 5.45.

With our position in the league seemingly assured, wouldn't it be great to see the lads pick up some silverware?

If you are interested in coming along then please contact Dave Hornby on 07779212189.

#traffordfamily

Volunteers

Trafford FC are seeking volunteers for Sunday 23rd Feb. The club are having the light bulbs changed in the flood lights, and therefore the advertising boards all need moving. 

If you are available from 9.00am onwards then just head down to Shawe View, your help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers in advance from all at the club.

Kings Lynn Away

This Saturday (22nd), Trafford make the long journey to Kings Lynn. There are still seats available if you would like a great away day out!

It is £10 a seat, which is bloody amazing considering Kings Lynn is nearly 200 miles away! Baring in mind the distance, the coach leaves from outside the Bird ith Hand at 8.30am.

If you are interested in going then please contact Graham Foxhall on 07796864151.

Trafford FC SC RACE NIGHT!

It's been fairly quiet recently what with all this weather interfering with the football! 

Well to ease the pain we have organised a Race Night on Friday 28th February at Trafford FC club house. Doors open at 7.30pm til late.

Compared by the one and only Nick 'John McRirick' Brown, it promises to be a great night and it is only 50p a bet! (so please try and bring some change although you can have more than one bet per race, and please bare in mind card payments are not accepted and there is no cash machine inside).

As well as having a laugh, it is also a great chance to raise some money for the club and maybe even win some yourself (if your horse wins!)
There are lots of other prizes to be won and if betting on horses is not your thing then why not come and enjoy a few drinks and a FREE buffet, yes a FREE buffet! 

As always, ALL are welcome. Lots of fun to be had, whether you're into football or a member of the supporters club or not. Bring a friend/date/wife/husband... 

When: Friday 28th February
Time: 7.30pm - late
Where: Trafford FC

Hope to see you all there!

Player of the Month - January

After yesterdays supporters meeting, I am pleased to announce the player of the month for January is Nia Bayunu.

Nia had another cracking month, following on from December. Well done to Nia and all at Trafford. Lets keep up the good form and lets see where it takes us!

Meeting reminder

Reminder to everyone that tomorrows supporters meeting starts at 7.45 at TFC clubhouse. After the meeting there is a pub quiz.

I cannot emphasise too much how much your support is appreciated and we look forward to seeing you all there.

Man of the Match V Grantham Town

The conditions weren't great, and that is putting it mildly and to be honest, neither were Trafford! Grantham would have considered themselves very unlucky going in at half time 0-0. We just didn't get going!

The second half was more even but we just didn't threaten their keeper. Grantham finally took the lead in the 60 something minute and this seemed to kick us up the backside as we now came into the game... we needed to!

10 minutes later and I couldn't hold it in any longer. I had to go to the toilet! What timing. I heard a loud cheer. Hurry up wee! Not long after, another loud cheer!!!! What was going on?

I quickly washed my hands and ran outside. It was 1-1 and Grantham had had a man sent off for saying something containing swear words to the ref! 

To be fair to Grantham, they still held their own with only 10 men but as we entered the last 10 minutes, we started to make the advantage count and with 1 minute to go, Shelton was put through and made no mistake with a cool finish. I nearly gave Sempie a heart attack with my celebrations!

We might not have played well as a team but there were a handful of solid individual performances. Nia and Luke Heron had very decent games and Kieran O'Hara was, up until the 86th minute, man of the match for his two or three quality saves in the 1st half but at the last minute, Dave Hornby and myself plumped for Ste 'Mini' Mason. He was tenacious and tough in the tackle and for a 'mini' CB, he wins more than his fair share of headers! Plus the fact the Grantham fans (nicknamed the GINGERbreads) gave him constant stick for being ginger (clearly strawberry blond, right Mini?), we just had to give it to him!

So well done Ste Mason and to all at Trafford FC. It's these kind of wins that prove vital. We move onto Tuesday (my birthday!!) against Fylde. Another 3 points would make a great present!

Andy Glinka

Next Meeting

The next supporters meeting is a week today, Friday 7th Feb, 8pm start at TFC clubhouse.
After the meeting (9pm), John Eadie is doing a quiz with lots of prizes and banter to be had. It would be great to see you all there after last weeks great turn out. Spread the word and bring a mate!

Support your local club TFC!

Next Meeting

The next supporters meeting is a week today, Friday 7th Feb, 8pm start at TFC clubhouse.
After the meeting (9pm), John Eadie is doing a quiz with lots of prizes and banter to be had. It would be great to see you all there after last weeks great turn out. Spread the word and bring a mate!

Support your local club TFC!

Skelmersdale Away

After Tuesdays fantastic away support at FC United, it would be great to take that same support to Saturdays away game at Skelmersdale.
There are still some seats available on the team coach, £10. Please contact myself, Andrew Semple or Foxy if you are interested.

It'd be great to have your support.

Cheers
Andy Glinka

Away Days - FC United of Manchester

You can't beat a non-league away day, there is just something about a few of you travelling together to support your local team! 
A few more than a few turned out for probably our biggest away day of the season, FC United.
This was the second time we had tried to play this game but due to bad weather, the first game on New Years Day ended in a day out in a Bury pub.

We don't normally do supporters coaches for games based around the Manchester area but since it was FC United, Mr Hornby had arranged a mini bus to take us to the game (via the same pub we had visited on New Years Day).

We left the Nags Head on time at 5.45. I sat next to Richie who had a word with me for mentioning in a previous post that he'd had his hair cut especially for a player of the month presentation. I said I wouldn't mention it again. The journey was full of banter and a can of energy drink mixed with vodka, kindly supplied by one of Hornby's mates, who was dressed in FC United clobber (I forget his name, sorry!).
We soon approached Bury and due to some bad directions, we saw more of Bury than we had planned. Finally, I came to my senses and gave the driver the postcode for The White Boar pub instead of trying to remember the way from last time! A couple of beers and a game of killer later we set off to Gigg Lane. The rain had started coming down. By the time we got into the social club, we were informed that there was a pitch inspection going on as we spoke. Not again, surely?!

It got to 7.40 and we took the plunge and paid in. They couldn't call it off now. Into the ground and we were ushered into the away section where, according to FC United, there were 92 of us. It sounded more like 292. The atmosphere was good, the start to the game less so. 6 minutes in a 1-0 down! More worryingly (or perhaps luckily baring in mind we were losing), the rain was now coming down by the bucket load. It resembled the Amazon during monsoon season!

1-0 down yet we still sang. We were going to enjoy this game regardless. But we needn't had worried about the score as the team soon picked up and started playing some decent stuff and after one previous good chance from a free kick, our second effort was right on the money. The money being Ste Mason's head! Boom! 1-1 and cue celebrations, which can be seen on YouTube and yours truly stands out waving my scarf like an idiot! I have since shown this clip to my class at work and I am now officially famous according to 31 8 year olds!!!

The 1st half came and went with both teams fairly even. A half time chat with our forever suspended Andy Smart and an expensive bottle of cider later, and the 2nd half was under way. The weather dominated most of the half as it continued to batter it down! FC United did manage 2 great chances but we looked dangerous on the counter attack and from set pieces. Before we knew it we were into the last 5 minutes and the game had an unnerving feel to it. We all started thinking back to the home game where FC United pinched all 3 points in the 90th minute! Luckily, no more chances came FC's way and we saw out the game for a valuable point and up to 14th in the table!

The team and management had ONCE AGAIN, done us proud. I just hope we did them proud. We might not be anywhere near as big as FC United but our passion for Trafford from our fans is unrivaled. It was a great away day!

Many high fives and see you Saturday's later, I hitched a lift home with Taxi Tim, I knew the mini bus was off back to the Nags Head and I had a class to teach the next morning. For once I made the sensible decision (it had nothing to do with being scared of the missus after the the trouble I got into the last time I went on an away day and was out for 13 hours!)

Good luck to our neighbours and friends, FC United for the rest of the season.

Ratings

Value for money: 9 (great game considering the appalling conditions)
Beer/Food: Beer 1. Nice tasting cider but far too expensive (Bury FC prices rather than FC United prices I guess)
Ground: 7. Clealry a professional ground but just didn't feel right staring at an empty stadium!
Man of the Match: Martyn Mason Nia Beadle!
Fans: 10 good banter and WE were in great voice/spirits!
Referee: 9. Actually thought he was the best I've seen at this level.

Andy Glinka