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New Mills Vets
5 a side
football at the
Leisure Centre
New Mills
High Peak
17:30 - 19:00
every Sunday
evening.
Come and join us,
all you need is a
pair of trainers and
a dodgy kit and you're
up and gasping.
Just in case you are the slightest bit interested, I have archived the
previous Vets News Pages from January 2001. It's quite interesting
to look back on a few of the events that have occurred during our past
games, some of them amusing and some of them downright sad. Click the
button at the top.
Mary's Moaners : Bryn Meredith
Ron Buttery
Bud Jackson
Keith Mastin
Martin Wilde
Matt's All Stars
Matt Pink
Chris Todd
Malc Stubbs
John Goodwin
Rick Pott
The Blues
Malc Hough
Keith Proudfoot
Nigel Caldwell
Chris Anthony
Steve Gerrard
Sunday 6th July : It was quite a milestone tonight playing for the
vets twenty years after our first session at the newly opened Sports
Hall at the New Mills Leisure Centre. In all that time we have have
seen many players come and go but tonight provided as good a ninety
minutes as any of the weeks in all those years. It was fitting that
we had a three full sides out this evening with myself, John
Goodwin and Keith "Zsu Zsu" Mastin, the three sole survivors of that
first session, turning out in opposing teams. On the night Mary's
Moaners were probably top dogs although Matt's All Stars gave them a
good run for their money. My team, The Blues were on the end of a
couple of rare drubbings from the men of Rome as Bryn and Ron
Buttery both weighed in with some fine strikes. It was quite odd to
see John "the assassin" going at it hell for leather against his
normal team mates, no prisoners there. Matt was the main man for his
team with his usual flurry of goals which on the night my own team
found hard to get. Overall a quite exceptional night's football
which the lads who have gone before would have found hard to match.
It would be good to get lots of them together for a reunion, the
many characters amongst them would make it one hell of a night. To
name but a few - legends that were, Chris "wee duffie" Wilson, Ron
"the Pirate" Aitchinson, Pat the taxi, Brian "bite yer legs"
Beddows, Tony Moore the greatest lover in the world, Dave Philips,
Bob Ardern, Tony "the cat" Gavin, my mate Nev Hough,
Alistair Stevens, John
"professor" Brookes, Pete "Fozzie" Fosbrook, Clive "twirley whirley"
Taylor, Alan "lanky" Skapens, Frankie "great ball Dave" Burton, Dave
Wood, Roger Graham, Brian "shuffler" Walton and not forgetting Steve
"Jocko" Hart (because I think he's forgotten us!
I'm sure we can all think of many more but the Bombay Cafe and my
supper awaits - thanks for the memories chaps and may we go on for
many more years doing what we all look forward to on a Sunday night
- playing the game while we still can!!
Tonight's Teams
Matt Pink
Paul Garner
John Goodwin
Robbie Westwood
Bud Jackson
Rick Pott
Malc Hough
Chris Anthony
Chris Todd
Richard Evans
Young Vets
Number 1
Do you recognise this young
Vet?
Can you believe - Steve Gerrard
Sunday 13th July : After wasting most of the day watching England's
Cricketers being frustrated by the South Africans in the first
test, it was down to the Leisure Centre for another ninety minutes
of proper action with the vets. Only two teams tonight as the
holiday season gets underway we were treated to four, first to ten
games which if nothing else provided us with enough exercise to keep
us ticking over for quite a while. Much incident to remember but
none came close to Robbie's second goal of night as he left Chris
Todd bemused by his speedy turn with the ball before advancing on
goal and smashing an unstoppable drive past the bewildered keeper,
Rick Evans. Chris was also on the receiving end of one of
Robbie's rare strikes so the little fella rightly ended the evening
with his chest puffed out in pride. Matt weighed in with some fine
solo goals as did Rick Evans but on the night both teams played with
a certain swagger and the final game saw them level at two games
each. No time for a golden goal which probably was a fair result in
the scheme of things.
I think we should be lucky to keep two teams going through the
summer but there have been a couple of new players making enquiries
and Mike Adrio is back in training after having his tonsils removed.
Steve Gerrard didn't risk it this week, maybe a wise move as he has
a Mediterranean cruise holiday next week.
Tonight's Teams
The Reds
John Goodwin
Ron Buttery
Bud Jackson
Malc Stubbs
The Whites
Chris Anthony
Malc Hough
Steve Gerrard
Nigel Caldwell
The Yellows
Rick Pott
Richard Evans
Chris Todd
Paul Garner
The old
Jocko Steve Hart has been in touch - QUOTE - "Looks like
I may have to give up because my knee keeps swelling up
after any exercise, then I can hardly walk! I'm trying
glucosamine to see if that helps it, and if it
does, I may be able to make a comeback in September.
Fingers crossed. I certainly miss the Sunday night
football."
Let's hope the Gluco stuff works as Steve is badly
missed in my squad and certainly by the rest of the
lads.
Sunday 20th July : The pre seasons friendly's are always a
welcome sign that the football season is just around the corner and
this week saw not only those but also the first European
competitions qualifying games. The glorious Blues of course overcame
the mighty EB Streymur from the Faroe
Isles whilst Villa drew at Odense.
The Leisure Centre tonight saw three willing teams turn on a fine
exhibition of how vets football should be played. To a man no effort
was spared and we were rewarded by some finely balanced games. My
squad were top dogs this evening only losing two games, both to the
reds with Ron Buttery getting both their winning goals. Ron indeed
scored the best two goals of the night in similar vein, a mazy
dribble followed by an accurate toe poke into the net. The main
contender to the goal of the night was Richard Evans' who drove in a
shot from a tight angle with such ferocity that the keeper hardly
moved, sadly it was into his own net á la John Arne Riise. Steve
Gerrard whose Mediterranean cruise is next week gave it
a good fist scoring most of his teams goals. Paul Garner is getting
back to speed and Chris Todd continues to look the part.
I will be making a dash back from a long weekend in Scotland next
week hoping to be back in time for the 5 a side. Zsu Zsu will be
back after two solid weeks rain in the Republic of Ireland. What on
earth possesses anyone to risk their holidays there is beyond me,
stag nights only I would say but the old hippie will probably be
oblivious to the weather anyhow. Great to hear from our old Jocko, I
checked out this glucosamine stuff. Glucosamine is a compound found
naturally in the body, made from glucose and the amino acid
glutamine. Apparently Glucosamine is needed to produce
glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of
cartilage and other body tissues. The production of
glucosamine slows with age according to the experts so maybe we
should all neck a few tablets down.
Tonight's Teams
Reds
Keith Mastin
Bryn Meredith
Nigel Caldwell
Malc Stubbs
Yellows
Paul Garner
Robbie Westwood
Richard Evans
Rick Pott
Sunday 28th July : With Malc away for further training following
his dip in form back in September 2006, 8 vets turned up for a
sweltering session and succumbed only 15 minutes from the end
when a variety of knee, toe, ankle and leg injuries brought
three of them to a standstill. Bryn, Zsu Zsu, Nigel and Malc
Stubbs took on the might of Paulo, Robbie and the two Ricks,
licking them 10-8 and 10-6 in the first two legs before losing
the third 10-7. With the scores at 6-5 in favour of Paulo's
quartet, injuries struck Bryn, Malc and then Rick Potts in quick
succession, leading to the decider being abandoned. A good
nights effort, with much sweat shed. Thanks
once again to our guest writer. My Scottish adventure prevented
me from this weeks action but more of that in a later report.
Tonight's Teams
Mary's Moaners
John Goodwin
Bryn Meredith
Ron Buttery
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
Matt Pink
Paul Garner
Chris Todd
Malc Stubbs
Rick Pott
Keith Proudfoot
Paul Dennis
Chris Anthony
Mike Jackson
Malc Hough
Sunday 3rd August : With City drawing with Stockport 2-2 yesterday
it wasn't surprising to see the County boys down at the Leisure
Centre tonight. Malc Stubbs and Paul Garner teamed up together in
the youth squad led by Matt Pink. Although they definitely had the
legs on the rest of us they failed to gel and consequently failed to
win more than two games all evening. Matt looked a little out of
sorts although he did mange to rattle the net on a few occasions.
Rick Pott also found his scoring boots notching two beauts in one
game which I intend to feature on YouTube soon. On a night where we
had three very evenly matched teams it was somewhat surprising that
Mary's Moaners chose to pretty much dominate losing only two games,
to Proudy's team. Maybe it was putting out their strongest line-up
this year but they just clicked right from the start. Martin was
back and playing extremely well and Bryn in spite of taking a heavy
knock on his injured foot hit his old goal scoring form. Proudy and
Paul Dennis were their teams main hitmen with Paul in particular
having an excellent night. With their team mates all half
centurions, and some, they both had to step up to the mark and but
for some wayward shooting could have pushed the Mary's Moaners just
that bit harder. An all round top night's football with Mary's
taking the honours and just for good measure a full 90 minutes
without a contentious decision or voice raised in anger. Just as a
matter of interest, this week last year we had only nine players,
the year before it was only six, in 2005 it was 10 and 2004 back
down to 9. So well done lads, that's how Zsu Zsu was able to publish
his year end accounts in the black.
Mary's Moaners
John Goodwin
Martin Wilde
Keith Mastin
Bud Jackson
Youth Team
Paul Garner
Chris Todd
Malc Stubbs
Robbie Westwood
The Whites
Keith Proudfoot
Chris Anthony
Nigel Caldwell
Malc Hough
Sunday 10th August : The weekend saw the start of the new football
season with the Championship and the Scottish Premier leading the
way. I settled for watching City beat AC Milan at the COMSTAD to win
the Thomas Cooke Trophy. A small matter of the Olympic games also
hit the ground running after the most spectacular opening ceremony
ever seen on this planet - London, follow that (Chas and Dave are
already composing the opening music). Of course the Vets don't have
a close season so it was business as usual tonight at the Leisure
Centre. If Mary's Moaners dominated last week it was my squad who
ran the rest ragged tonight. Losing only one game and drawing one
was a pretty impressive show. Proudy and Chris were the top marksmen
but myself and Nigel chipped in with a few too. Nigel looks like the
final piece of our jigsaw and slotted in very well this evening.
Mary's Moaners set off like they were going to continue last weeks
impressive form beating Paul Garners team 6-0 in the first game.
Obviously peaking far too early was their problem although Martin
Wilde in particular was in good form. Pauls team were just off the
pace which comes as quite a surprise as they were, by a country
mile, the youngest team on show. Chris Todd slotted a couple of
sweet left footers in but they were in desperate need of a striker,
Matt Pink would have made all the difference. Poor old Robbie had a
bit of a mare, I always think Robbie's best position is in defence
where he marks well and tackles with good effect but as a front man
where the first touch sorts the men from the boys he finds the going
tough. Still the little fella never gives up and neither should he
for next week he'll probably rattle in a hatful and stick two
fingers up at me.
Well it's Nigel's turn to take his hollibobs, he's off to
France for a couple of weeks so hopefully he'll pick up some of
those silky Gallic skills before we offer him a contract to play in
our elite squad. Steve Gerrard should be back on dry land next week
and if he kept his promise to his young son (jogging on the cruise
ships running track at 6:60 every morning) he should be as fit as a
butchers dog and rarin' to go.
Tonight's Teams
Mary's Moaners
Ron Buttery
John Goodwin
Keith Mastin
Martin Wilde
The Whites
Keith Proudfoot
Chris Anthony
Steve Gerrard
Malc Hough
Youth Team
Robbie Westwood
Chris Todd
Richard Evans
Rick Pott
Paul Garner
Sunday 17th August : thirteen vets dragged themselves down to the
Leisure Centre tonight to do battle and a very satisfying exercise
it turned out to be. Just like last week the Whites, buoyed by the
return of Stevie Gerrard, set off looking like the team likeliest to
finish as the evenings top dogs.
Proudy and Steve were striking some classic goals and the team
in general passed the ball quickly and accurately. Mary's Moaners
however had other ideas and slowly but surely made inroads with
their own brand of the more direct elements of the game. Martin
grabbed the goals in the absence of Bryn Meredith, prompted by the
playmaking skills of Zsu Zsu Mastin and the ever slowing Ron
Buttery. The Youth squad continue to frustrate and plainly miss a
hit man to convert their openings. Poor old Robbie prolonged his
barren scoring spell with some outrageous misses but did weigh in
with some very good defending and improved passing. Rick Pott had
his moments scoring one or two very smart goals and Chris Todd is
emerging as a potential playmaker in the Zsu Zsu mould. As for the
Whites, we lost our way after a very promising start but with a
little more care in front of goal we would have ended the night as
the top team instead of sharing the honour with the Mary's Moaners.
A distinct lack of Uni£ed bodies tonight probably due to their usual
Sky TV slot on Sunday afternoon, no contest as far as most of us are
concerned. Anyway another week passes and if the lads enjoyed it
half as much as I did we'll have another good turn out next week.
Tonight's Players
Keith Mastin
Ron Buttery
John Goodwin
Malc Stubbs
Richard Evans
Chris Anthony
Matt Pink
Neil McClelland
Malc Hough
Keith Proudfoot
Paul Dennis
Sunday 24th August : Only eleven vets this evening but still a
splendid nights football full of endeavour and slick play. New
player Neil McClelland made an impressive debut after we were
all subjected to one of Ron's vociferous outbursts in the very first
game. Probably a good thing because having survived that he went on
to show lots of good skill and a good eye for goal, hopefully he
enjoyed the session enough to become a regular player with us.
Playing the Ron Buttery Rotation system isn't always the best way to
provide competitive games but tonight was definitely an exception.
Richard Evans whacked in a hat trick in the very first game to set
the trend for some free flowing games. Matt Pink can always be
relied on to find the net but not often from his own half as he
managed in one game. If the game is all about goals then Proudy,
Paul Dennis and Chris all did well for themselves but it was Ron
Buttery who probably caught the eye most. When the big fella let's
his size tens do the talking he can be quite formidable. Maybe the
pace (if there ever was any) may no longer be there but, his toe
bungers are legendary and are still a very effective weapon. A
couple of quite memorable goals and some quality passing were John
Goodwin's contributions which deserve a mention. Commenting on other
players performances is never easy when your own is nothing to write
home about and tonight mine was bordering on awful. Even so it is
still one of the best things I look forward to all week so whilst
the old legs allow it I'll soldier on and hope for a better show
next week.
Tonight's Players
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Malc Stubbs
Richard Evans
Chris Anthony
Neil McClelland
Malc Hough
Steve Gerrard
Chris Todd
Nigel Caldwell
Paul Garner
Sunday 31st August : Almost the perfect weekend football wise as
City cruise it at Sunderland, Uni£ed lost to Zenit St Petersburg in
the Euro super cup and Rangers win the old firm derby game up in
Jocko land. After all that eleven vets take part in another 90
minutes of enjoyable 5 a side at the Leisure Centre. In a session
devoid of serious incident Zsu Zsu Mastin decided to demonstrate
that although only two of Mary's Moaners were present it was perhaps
a good time to remind us that bending the rules are still their
particular speciality. As they were awarded a free kick just outside
the keepers area the old cockney hippie placed the ball and toe
poked it directly into the net. With myself being the one man wall
the old boy claimed the ball had touched me on it's way into the net
thus making an indirect free kick into a legitimate goal. The ball
definitely didn't touch me but, our aging leader pleaded with the
referee (his Mary's Moaners team mate John Goodwin) to accept his
word against the senior vet who happens to be an atheist. This John
did without hesitation which only served to remind me that you can
never trust a Mary's Moaner or a cockney hippie. A few light hearted
exchanges were the order of the day and another excellent session
came to a satisfactory conclusion. No particular outstanding player
this week but Chris Todd showed well and Steve Gerrard wellied in
two goals after receiving the ball from the kick off, no mean feat
after trying to achieve this once for many moons. Neil was back for
more and looks to have settled in nicely, he should be a great
addition to the All stars squad together with Matt, Paul, the two
Ricks, Chris etc. Hopefully a full turn out next week with three
full squads so we can get down to the real serious stuff
It's World Cup Qualifying time again next week, England take on
Andorra and Croatia whilst the Jocko's face the might of FYR
Macedonia and Iceland - COME ON ENGLAND!!!
Tonight's Teams
Mary's Moaners
Ron Buttery
John Goodwin
Keith Mastin
Neil McClelland
The Whites
Keith Proudfoot
Chris Anthony
Chris Todd
Nigel Caldwell
Malc Hough
Youth Team
Matt Pink
Rick Pott
Bud Jackson
Malc Stubbs
Sunday 7th September 2008 : An unbelievable week for the glorious
Blues with the Arabs chipping in with 650 billion quid towards our
transfer fund and some Brazilian bloke just for good measure. With
every player on the planet now available things will never be the
same again. My thoughts, I was never happy with Chelski so nothing
changes so far as I'm concerned other than the fact that the dirty
money has now left the club.
No
Arab money coming the vets way but that didn't prevent 13 of them
coughing up their fivers towards Zsu Zsu's rest home fund. Probably
the best fiver we spend all week considering the entertainment
value. This week the youth team were the star turn ending the
evening unbeaten in twelve games. I believe they drew two games but
the popular opinion was they only drew one, against Mary's Moaners
leaving them very close to being the only team ever in our 25 years
to win every game. An amazing effort from Matt's team who totally
dominated. Malc Stubbs gave one of his best performances for many a
week with good support from Rick Pott and Bud Jackson. Mary's
Moaners on any other night would have been well pleased with their
effort with Neil slotting in as a non moaning guest. John and Zsu
Zsu worked tirelessly as Ron did his best to cajole that extra yard
from his fellow Moaners with his non stop encouragement and tactical
nouse. As for my squad the less said the better, a week to
forget as we toiled for most of the night. My Achilles is still
preventing me from making a worthwhile contribution and I may drop
into goal for a couple of weeks to give it a rest. Stevie Gerrard
was sadly missed tonight but even the real one would have been hard
pressed to light our fuses over the 90 minutes winning only one
game. We'll be back!!!
Anyway I've dug out my Arab headdress in readiness for the Chelsea
game next Saturday but won't get too excited, I'm a City fan and as
such, we've been here so many times before....
Tonight's Teams
Mary's Moaners
Ron Buttery
John Goodwin
Keith Mastin
Neil McClelland
The Whites
Keith Proudfoot
Paul Garner
Chris Todd
Malc Stubbs
Malc Hough
Youth Team
Matt Pink
Rick Pott
Bud Jackson
Richard Evans
Sunday 14th September 2008 : Some things in football never surprise
you. After watching Man City as man and boy for 56 years now I
turned up at the COMSTAD on Saturday full of enthusiasm just like
the 40 odd thousand others. We have pots of dosh, SWP is back and
we've signed one of the best Brazilians in the World as well as a
new Argentinean full back. Brazilian bloke bends a free kick in from
outside the box and for three minutes we're in sky blue heaven.
That's how long it took for Chelsea (just a poor club from London)
to pull the rug from under our size nines. I've been there so many
times before so why indeed should I be surprised any more!!
At the Leisure Centre tonight Rick Evans came into the youth squad
to replace Malc Stubbs who dropped into my squad (the Whites) along
with Paul Garner to replace Chris and Nigel who were at the training
camp. Mary's Moaners were unchanged which meant that Neil McC could
enjoy an extended stay in Gods chosen team. The Youth team set about
Mary's Moaners in the first game with great speed which set the
pattern for the night. It was obvious that Matt and the two Rick's
were going to run riot while Bud would just sit back and deal with
any upstarts that dared to outpace the three front men. This worked
in the first game but the Whites had other ideas in the next. A back
line of four worked their socks off and held on to stop the Youth
Team in their tracks. As the night progressed, Chris Todd and Paul
Garner made a very impressive partnership and with Proudy & Malc
Stubbs hitting the goals I think the Whites just about deserved the
top dog honour for the night. Matt Pink couldn't match the heights
he showed last week although you can always guarantee he'll whack a
few in. Rick Pott had a bit of a Mare tonight by his own standards
and Ron took great pleasure in pointing out that the boy wasn't at
his best. Mary's Moaners were also below par, indeed John had
to wait until 80 minutes before finally finding the net. Obviously
they are missing Martin and Bryn who hopefully will return sooner
rather than later.
Tonight's Players
John Goodwin
Keith Mastin
Keith Proudfoot
Steve Gerrard
Malc Hough
Malc Stubbs
Chris Todd
Paul Garner
Robbie Westwood
Karl English
Sunday 21st September 2008 : What a day for the glorious Blues.
After watching City demolish Pompey 6-0 with such style the 5 a side
at the Leisure Centre couldn't come quick enough for me. Not a full
compliment of Blues or Reds tonight but the lads who did turn up
made a pretty decent fist of things. Starting with nine we were glad
to see Karl English make an appearance although it only lasted a
short while with the Evertonian picking up an ankle injury. So it
was back to the rotation system once more. Inspired by the
magnificent performance of Man City, Steve Gerrard picked this
session to score a Mexican hat-full of goals from the first minute
to the last. Proudy also put a few away in a very busy 90 minutes.
John was beating up on himself for having a poor session but for me
he did fine, I would be chuffed as mint balls if I had the lads
energy and commitment. To a man all the lads put in a good workout
in a very enjoyable session. Goal of the night was definitely
Robbie's when he finished off a flowing move with a stunning volley.
Not far behind was Proudy's effort which he somehow managed to drive
into the top corner as he swivelled a full 180 degrees and met it on
the full. I've decided not to mention Zsu Zsu's annoying habit of
cheating which is creeping into his game, I think the need for
counselling is called for before the cockney hippie becomes beyond
spiritual help.
Tonight's Teams
Mary's Moaners
Bud Jackson
John Goodwin
Keith Mastin
Neil McClelland
Rick Pott
The Whites
Keith Proudfoot
Steve Gerrard
Chris Todd
Malc Hough
Youth Team
Matt Pink
Malc Stubbs
Robbie Westwood
Richard Evans
Paul Dennis
Sunday 28th September 2008 : What a difference a week makes, City
went from the sublime to the ridiculous.
After last weekends destruction of Pompey they go out of the league
cup to Brighton and lose today at Wigan, top 4, what a joke!! The
vets go on as usual with another good turn out and three teams.
Mary's Moaners needed two guests to make up their team but they
couldn't prevent a sadly out of sorts team suffering an evening to
forget winning only one game. Neil and Rick put themselves about but
it was to no avail. Robbie Westwood was the first to net against
Mary's in the first game with a stunning volley from the little
fella. Matt Pink as usual was the youth teams most impressive player
backed up well by Richard Evans. Paul Dennis hit a couple of
blinders but it was the Whites who shone brightest on the night.
Conserving my running to protect the old Achilles meant that Proudy,
Steve and Chris Todd would have to work overtime and to their credit
this is just what they did. Chris definitely enjoyed his stint in
the squad and netted a good few goals to boot. Proudy and Steve
Gerrard were the main strike force and were rewarded with only one
defeat all night. A few players down next week with John threatening
to quit and Bud also down in the dumps, Proudy out with the missus,
we could do with long term absentees Bryn and Martin back to give
the Mary's Moaners a boost.
Tonight's Players
The Reds
Keith Mastin
Malc Stubbs
Robbie Westwood
Paul Garner
The Whites
Chris Todd
Chris
Anthony
Steve Gerrard
Malc Hough
Youth Team
Matt Pink
Neil McClelland
Rick Pott
Richard Evans
Sunday 5th October 2008 : Couldn't help a little chuckle this week
as Joe Kinnear was castigated by the press for using over 50 swear
words in a rant at the Newcastle training ground. Anyone who has
ever played in a vets session at the Leisure Centre will tell you
Ron Buttery's just warming up after 50 swear words some of which are
only decipherable by scousers. Thankfully we were Ron-less tonight
so the 5 a side was lively but without verbal extremities. The Youth
team flexed it's muscles from the very first game when a high
scoring victory was a warning to the rest of us as to what a tough
order we faced in matching them. Neil in particular, freed from the
shackles of guesting for Mary's Moaners, had one of his best
games to date since joining the vets. Matt as usual was cracking
them in from all angles and the two Ricks ran and ran all evening,
something that the older vets were incapable of matching, especially
this older vet. My team, the Whites had one of those nights when
nothing went right from the first minute to the last. Failing to win
a game is bad enough but three draws all night was about all we
deserved. With the demise of Mary's Moaners Keith led
the Reds to what turned out to be the result of the night when his
team held the Youth team to a draw and prevented them from the
elusive 100% winning session that is still to be achieved after 25
years at the Leisure Centre. Malc Stubbs drilled in two spectacular
goals in that game for the reds and but for a moment of madness when
Paulo's sat-nav misdirected him into his own area ensuing in a
penalty, they would have dented the Youth team's unbeaten record on
the night. All round a stonker of a session leaving us all fired up
for next week. Thankfully for my team I am off to the Turkish
Riviera to a nice five star all inclusive for a couple of weeks with
Janice, to refresh the old bones and get in some speed training.
Tonight's Players
Ron Buttery
Chris
Keith Mastin
Keith Proudfoot Rob Westwood Paul Garner
Rick Pott
Nigel Caldwell
Chris Anthony
Steve Gerrard
Bud Jackson
Sunday 12th October 2008 : Twelve vets
were counted into the session on Sunday, but only eleven were
counted out at the end, with Chris suffering a leg
injury in mid session which demanded his retirement from the
fray. Tragic for Chris, who we hope is recovered for next week,
but challenging for the remaining vets who had to move from the
four a-side squads to the Ron Buttery rotation system which has
served us well in such circumstances. Apart from Ron and Chris,
Zsu Zsu, Proudy, Robbie, Paulo, Ricky, Nigel, Chris, Stevie and
Bud braved the elements, and were joined by a returning Johnboy
who clearly needs to keep in trim with the imminent arrival of
twin grandchildren. Much action and much sweat, tainted only by
Zsu Zsu’s gentle chiding of Ronnie Buttery to subscribe to the
FA’s new Respect agenda in relation to referees.
Thanks to our guest writer for this latest report. News of
Chris 's injury reached Turkey via BBC World News (as usual
the only English speaking station available in this part of the
world). Lets hope he recovers quicker than he runs.
Tonight's Teams
Ron Buttery
Steve Gerrard Nigel Caldwell
Bud Jackson
Matt Ansell
Keith Proudfoot Rick
Evans
Paul Dennis
John Goodwin
Keith Mastin
Matt Pink
Malc Stubbs
Rick Pott
Robbie Westwood
Sunday 19th October 2008 : Spurred on by news of
Houghie’s continuing absence at a bootcamp in far away Turkey, the
vets were flooded tonight with players eager to play in a team
without having to carry the ageing warrior. Ron, Steve, Nigel, Bud
and newcomer Matt Ansell formed one 5-man squad, with Zsu Zsu,
Proudy, Rick ‘Good’ Evans, Paul Dennis and Johnboy another: Matt,
Malc Stubbs, Rick Pott and Robbie played in four man formation and
actually did very well, with Robbie in particular scoring with some
spectacular mis-hits. Overall a good night, albeit with Chris still
off injured, and Paul Garner, Chris Todd and Neil McClelland awol.
Sadly, the high standards achieved over the past two weeks will
become a fond memory when Houghie returns on the 26th....
Yet another excellent report from our guest writer which although
short in content had the spell checker working overtime for a
change. Having demonstrated to the Turkish waiters in Anatolia how
the game should be played, I am keen to return next week and
demonstrate to all doubters that you can't beat a good old 'en.
Tonight's Teams
Keith Proudfoot
Nigel Caldwell
Chris Anthony
Chris Todd
Malc Hough
Rick
Evans
John Goodwin
Neil McClelland
Keith Mastin
Paul Garner
Sunday 26th October 2008 : Back from my Asian jaunt,
refreshed and rested it soon became apparent that I had also put on
a few pounds. As early as the first 10 minutes Proudy was having to
work overtime to cover the gaps left by my inability to cope with
the speed of the session. Chris was also feeling the pace,
suffering with a touch of the fallen arches on his feet.
Consequently the burdon had to be shared by Proudy, Chris Todd and
Nigel Caldwell in a hectic 90 minutes against Zsu Zsu's select team.
Trying to match the pace of Paulo Garner, Neil and Rick was never
going to be easy and it came as no surprise that John and Zsu Zsu
were for once going to find themselves on the winning team. Three
best of ten games ended up with Zsu Zsu's Select taking the honours
2 games to one but overall it was a very keen contest. Neil had a
more than decent night and is proving to be an excellent addition to
the vets sessions since joining us in late August. Proudy was on
fire in front of goal tonight which was a good job because not too
many goals came from his team mates although Chris Todd found the
mark with a few goodies. Proudy hit two dynamite volleys for his
side but it was Neil and Rick who shared in the majority of their
teams scoring efforts. So it's diet time for yours truly and extra
training so I can keep up with the rigours of Vets football and take
a bit of the load off my team mates.
No Bryn and Martin again this week, hopefully they'll both be
back sooner rather than later. Don't forget that there will be no
football on Sunday 9th November because the hall is being used for
another event.
Tonight's Players
Ron Buttery
Chris
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Paul Garner
Richard Evans
Nigel Caldwell
Chris Anthony
Neil McClelland
Paul Garner
Malc Hough
Sunday 2nd November 2008 : With City on Sky and Lewis Hamilton on
the box this afternoon it wasn't a great shock to see only eleven
vets show up for our weekly thrash. As I'm off to the Bombay Cafe
tonight and because City depressed me so much the report will be
shorter than normal not that I expected any different. Still, Chris
Todd will be chuffed as his trotters did the business on my hapless
Blues. With only eleven players tonight we reverted to the Ron
Buttery rotation system again which worked quite well. Credit to Ron
is perhaps overdue as over the years this novel way of playing has
been very successful and is perhaps the big fella's greatest
contribution to the vets sessions. This week marked the coming of
age for Richard Evans as he became an official vet of 35 years and
it showed as he ran most of us ragged over the 90 minutes. As Nigel
Caldwell and Chris spent most of the early hours today
partying after the New Mills Bonfire celebrations, I suppose we
should forgive them for their unusually below par performances, red
wine can seriously affect your stamina!
Don't forget NO FOOTBALL NEXT WEEK - Next session - 16th
November, be there.....
Tonight's Teams
Keith Proudfoot
Nigel Caldwell
Malc Hough
Chris Todd
Chris Anthony
Matt Pink
Paul Garner
Rick
Evans
Rick Pott
Robbie Westwood
John Goodwin
Keith Mastin
Neil McClelland
Michael Jackson
16th November : It was exactly 5 years ago tonight when Matt Pink
and Steve Gerrard made their Vets debut's and although Steve didn't
make this evenings session Matt celebrated in his usual style with a
bunch of goals and the accustomed all action display in a very
spirited ninety minutes. The three teams
were well matched thanks to Keith Mastin's careful selection and we
were rewarded with what can only be described as a very enjoyable
nights football. With the demise of Mary's Moaners now almost
confirmed, there was a distinct lack of whinging so we were able to
let the football do the talking for a change. One player in
particular chose tonight to put on a demonstration of deadly
striking seldom seen in an over 50 vet which left us all gasping.
Robbie at last stepped up to the mark with his first pair in a
single game with two exquisite strikes into the top corner, past
yours truly. Later on the little fella struck a wazzer of a
goal on the volley past a bemused Chris that had us all
cheering.
All the teams had their moments tonight but overall I think it was a
three way draw if there is such a thing. Good showings from Rick
Evans, Proudy, Neil and Bud plus a unusual award to Chris
when he was credited with four assists in one game, to the
opposition..... ah well who hasn't had one of those over the years?
Still no sign of Bryn and Martin....
Tonight's Players
Steve Gerrard
Bud Jackson
Chris Anthony
Keith Mastin
John Goodwin
Keith Proudfoot
Richard Evans
Nigel Caldwell
Chris Todd
Paul Garner
Malc Hough
23rd November : Raced home from my daughters at Poulton Le Fylde and
was rewarded with a super 90 minutes of 5 a side action at the
Leisure centre. Set off with a game between my full squad for a
change against the rest with Zsu Zsu refereeing. A quality game was
decided with a single strike quite against the run of play for the
rest. Still it was a taste of things to come as we reverted to the
Ron Buttery rotation system for the remainder of the night. There
was plenty of very good football played in a admirable sporting
manner to boot. Spectacular strikes from Paulo Garner and Richard
Evans were a feature of the non stop action. Chris was on
song and the return of Steve Gerrard was marked by his new found
tactic of mis-hitting goals, too many to be a coincidence. No Robbie
this week, maybe he peaked last week or more likely he fell asleep
watching his beloved Baggies at Stoke where the main highlights are
throw ins!! Next weekend sees the Manchester v Stretford Derby with
City hoping to reproduce last seasons epic double over the Rags.
It's 54 years since I saw my first one, a 3-2 win for the glorious
Sky Blues at Maine Road, that will do nicely for next week. Last
season we managed a 1-0 win with only one shot on goal, this season
we have Benjani, Shaun Wright Phillips, Danny Sturridge and some
Brazilian bloke called Robinho. COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!!!!!
the youth squad led by Matt Pink. Although they definitely had the
legs on the rest of us they failed to gel and consequently failed to
win more than two games all evening. Matt looked a little out of
sorts although he did mange to rattle the net on a few occasions.
Rick Pott also found his scoring boots notching two beauts in one
game which I intend to feature on YouTube soon. On a night where we
had three very evenly matched teams it was somewhat surprising that
Mary's Moaners chose to pretty much dominate losing only two games,
to Proudy's team. Maybe it was putting out their strongest line-up
this year but they just clicked right from the start. Martin was
back and playing extremely well and Bryn in spite of taking a heavy
knock on his injured foot hit his old goal scoring form. Proudy and
Paul Dennis were their teams main hitmen with Paul in particular
having an excellent night. With their team mates all half
centurions, and some, they both had to step up to the mark and but
for some wayward shooting could have pushed the Mary's Moaners just
that bit harder. An all round top night's football with Mary's
taking the honours and just for good measure a full 90 minutes
without a contentious decision or voice raised in anger. Just as a
matter of interest, this week last year we had only nine players,
the year before it was only six, in 2005 it was 10 and 2004 back
down to 9. So well done lads, that's how Zsu Zsu was able to publish
his year end accounts in the black. 
Proudy and Steve were striking some classic goals and the team
in general passed the ball quickly and accurately. Mary's Moaners
however had other ideas and slowly but surely made inroads with
their own brand of the more direct elements of the game. Martin
grabbed the goals in the absence of Bryn Meredith, prompted by the
playmaking skills of Zsu Zsu Mastin and the ever slowing Ron
Buttery. The Youth squad continue to frustrate and plainly miss a
hit man to convert their openings. Poor old Robbie prolonged his
barren scoring spell with some outrageous misses but did weigh in
with some very good defending and improved passing. Rick Pott had
his moments scoring one or two very smart goals and Chris Todd is
emerging as a potential playmaker in the Zsu Zsu mould. As for the
Whites, we lost our way after a very promising start but with a
little more care in front of goal we would have ended the night as
the top team instead of sharing the honour with the Mary's Moaners.
No
Arab money coming the vets way but that didn't prevent 13 of them
coughing up their fivers towards Zsu Zsu's rest home fund. Probably
the best fiver we spend all week considering the entertainment
value. This week the youth team were the star turn ending the
evening unbeaten in twelve games. I believe they drew two games but
the popular opinion was they only drew one, against Mary's Moaners
leaving them very close to being the only team ever in our 25 years
to win every game. An amazing effort from Matt's team who totally
dominated. Malc Stubbs gave one of his best performances for many a
week with good support from Rick Pott and Bud Jackson. Mary's
Moaners on any other night would have been well pleased with their
effort with Neil slotting in as a non moaning guest. John and Zsu
Zsu worked tirelessly as Ron did his best to cajole that extra yard
from his fellow Moaners with his non stop encouragement and tactical
nouse. As for my squad the less said the better, a week to
forget as we toiled for most of the night. My Achilles is still
preventing me from making a worthwhile contribution and I may drop
into goal for a couple of weeks to give it a rest. Stevie Gerrard
was sadly missed tonight but even the real one would have been hard
pressed to light our fuses over the 90 minutes winning only one
game. We'll be back!!!
the Reds to what turned out to be the result of the night when his
team held the Youth team to a draw and prevented them from the
elusive 100% winning session that is still to be achieved after 25
years at the Leisure Centre. Malc Stubbs drilled in two spectacular
goals in that game for the reds and but for a moment of madness when
Paulo's sat-nav misdirected him into his own area ensuing in a
penalty, they would have dented the Youth team's unbeaten record on
the night. All round a stonker of a session leaving us all fired up
for next week. Thankfully for my team I am off to the Turkish
Riviera to a nice five star all inclusive for a couple of weeks with
Janice, to refresh the old bones and get in some speed training. 
were well matched thanks to Keith Mastin's careful selection and we
were rewarded with what can only be described as a very enjoyable
nights football. With the demise of Mary's Moaners now almost
confirmed, there was a distinct lack of whinging so we were able to
let the football do the talking for a change. One player in
particular chose tonight to put on a demonstration of deadly
striking seldom seen in an over 50 vet which left us all gasping.
Robbie at last stepped up to the mark with his first pair in a
single game with two exquisite strikes into the top corner, past
yours truly. Later on the little fella struck a wazzer of a
goal on the volley past a bemused Chris that had us all
cheering. 
