I Swear This Is The Last Time! Colne FC Story Reboot..

New Year New Challenges..

So this month we hurtle headlong into the second half of the season. Like an overweight person at a buffet we'd got a lot on our plate. Plus players finding themselves on the fringes at a counties level club ain't too happy..We've also got the subtle threat of clubs circling scouting our best players. I'll be holding firm though nobody leaves unless I want them to...


07/01/11 FA Cup Second Round Colne 2-0 AFC Wimbledon
We were the lowest level team left at this stage. Other dragon slayings had been Halesowen beating Grimsby. Also Chelmsford putting out Accrington, Also Cray toppled Aldershot. Finally we'd been tied with a league team!. It wasn't a plum tie with one of the big guns. Still Wimbledon would be a real test for us. Especially with our two top scorers out. Hughes has reached his yellow car limit. Gordon Patton has a slight injured that will keep him out too. It was a close game nothing much in it in the first half. We had the only clear cut chance Fergus Bell forcing a point blank save. In the second half the breakthrough finally came. Ed Williams whiping in a wicked cross which went in off Jamie Stuart's back. We pushe on Bell again forcing a good save befor the flag went up for offside anyway. We then had to weather the storm a bit as Wimbledon pushed to get back in the game. Mcvey got their best chance spurning a gift of a close range **** putting it wide. But then we broke..Getting the ball to Marella on the right wing, he put it in the box to Bell. Unselfishly he turned and played in Vaz, who took a touch and put the ball around the keeper putting up 2-0 to the good! We held out for the remaining ten minutes to claim our first ever league scalp!. We also furthered our record in the competition.. MOM-Patrik Vaz. He got the honour but to be honest most of the team did themselves proud this game.


11/01/11 St Helens 0-2 Colne
Bit of a quiet game of the big FA Cup game. Still we kept them out and won the game in a business like manner. Patrik Vaz scoring and Jordon Bowen sealing it in stoppage time. MOM-Kallum O'Kane. The young signing was proving his worth defending well and proving a threat on the overlap.


14/01/11 FA Vase Round 2 Colne 3-0 Nuneaton Griff
After giant killing in the FA cup a team on the same level as us wasn't a problem. Stephen Connor got his first ever Colne Goal starting us off. In the second half Patrik Vaz got a brace and made sure we didn't let our chance to progress slip. MOM-Patrik Vaz. Playing some amazing football and score a great double.


18/01/11 Ramsbottom 2-0 Colne.
We almost couldn't beleive it..Our little non league invincibles run had come to an end..We just weren't at the game this day. We had chances but nothing would go in. Still we tried to coast this game and got caught out. MOM-Richard Foster. The Ramsbottom player picked up the award. I'd have probably picked him too as in my team there wasn't much to choose from..


21/02/11 Aston Athletic 4-8 Colne.
Not long after picking ourselves up from our defeat we had to go again. This was dfinately one for any neutrals if there are any neutrals watching counties level football! We started out great guns Bell getting us underway on 7 mins. Another three went by and Stephen Connor doubled our lead. 11 mins in and we were 3-0 up thanks to David Lee. Aston fought back pulling one back on 17 mins. Fergus Bell had the final say of the first half making the scores 4-1 going into the break. Jordan Bowen started the second half flurry adding to his account. Aston restored some pride making it 5-2 cutting ou lead down to three. It last all of seven minutes giving away a penalty which Farro buried. Chad Sammons then got his second for Aston making it 6-3. Less than a minute later Bell went one better capping off his hat-trick. Farro then attempted to put aston down for good making it 8-3. Aston had the last say though was another consolation ending it an unbelievable 8-4. MOM-Fergus Bell. A lot of contenders but a hat-trick always takes it!


24/01/11 NW Counties League Cup Quarter Final. Colne 5-0 Silsden

When it came to our best chance of silverware this season we didn't mess about. We were all business. Jamie Forrester again scored in the this competition. Marella also got a brace, With Hughes and Flanagan getting the others. Onwards to the semi final!. MOM- Dominic Marella. Scored twice and assisted another.All round great game.


28/01/11 Colne 4-2 Silsden
We went all groundhog day meeting Silsden just four days after whipping them in the cup. Thing went better for them this time but they still found themselve on the other side of a result. We went into the break level at 2-2, Eric Farro and David Lee getting our goals. The second half we shifted up a gear and took the game away from Silsden. Fergus Bell getting us ahead, then Farro sealing it in stoppage time. MOM- Eric Farro. Making sure he's still very much up there in the left winger Patrik Vaz . Great game two goals and an assist.He was everywhere this game.


We'd been disappointed in our efforts to finish all season unbeaten. It was only when that loss loomed we thought we could have made it maybe. But it's still been an amazing season so far. Still going strong in three cups, picking up our first ever league scalp. Finally still top of the league by a good distance. Things were looking good but can't let it slip now...
 
February Review

The season continued at pace with our involvement in three cup aswell as our league fixtures. Hopefully we could last the pace and we reach the latter stages of the race..

01/02/2011 Colne 5-0 Bootle.
The start to the month was a great one against strugglers Bootle. A brace from both David Lee and Gordon Patton showed our lethal finishing. An own goal rounding up the scorers seem to sum up Bootles luck so far this season. MOM-David Lee. Another amazing performance in the supporting striker role.


04/02/11 Colne 5-0 Spalding FA Vase 3rd Round.
Another win by a clear five goals. Hopefully all the rest of our cup games will go so well! Marc Hughes came back into the side with authority scoring a Hat-trick. Patton and Rubbins also got on the scoresheet. MOM- Marc Hughes. Simply umplayable today.


08/02/11 AFC Liverpool 1-5 Colne.
Our second merseyside team of the month. Although Bateman couldn't keep a third successful clean sheet it was still a fine three points. Hughes getting a brace, Veteran Forrester getting himself a goal. While Farro and Bowen added to their tally also. MOM- Eric Farro. Great game from Eric who played a part in four of the five goals.


11/02/11 Chelsea v Colne FA Cup 3rd Round.
So this is the big time! Stamford bridge against the big players in the premier league. Just one of thier reserve players would be worth more than our whole squad. Well we wanted a plum cup tie..be careful what you wish for..

As expected we would not be facing a full force first team. Still the second string was strong enough to contend with. The likes of Lukaku, Bertrand,Ake and Kakuta all possible future stars. Ferriera also added some experience to the mix. Despite the gulf in class we held our own for the first ten minutes. Absorbing pressure and contributing just enough to keep it a contest. Chelsea took hold of the game but my lads kept them out admirably 15 mins in and it was still level. The Lalkovic made a run down the wing and cross a great ball into the box. The ball was meet by Kakuta who hit it first time with a stunning volly into the bottom left corner..GOAL!!. Chelsea 1-0 Colne.
Finally our resolute defence had been breaced. Still to out credit we kept our heads and didn't crumble after conceding. After taking on more pressure in which a Lukaku shot fizzed just above the crossbar. We also hit back Vaz finding the back of the net just a shame it was from an offside position. Despite suffering from an ongoing seige with huge credit going to Flanagan and John snuffing our countless through balls and probing passes. Bateman also for keeping his head depite being uder constant pressure and dealing with back passes. Still we had some luck Kakuta almost getting a brace with a shot hiting the side netting. We made their defence work when we could though. Crossing in some fine balls and a few through balls which we couldn't get on the end of. We had looked to earn some consolement in the fact we'd go into the break only a single goal down. We were hit with a bitter blow into stoppage time. Papoe won a very cheap penalty from John on a corner. lukaku duely put away the penalty..GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Colne.

Th stuffing had been knocked out of us which was understandable. With not offering much going forward chelsea took the reigns. Ten minute into the second half and Todd Kane put Lukaku though who slotted the ball neatly home. GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Colne.
That actually jolted us into action and we attacked back. Stirling putting a long range shot over the crossbar. We suffered another set back though. Lukaku getting the ball in the box helf onto it by the byline and drew a silly foul from John. Another penalty and Lukaku scored gaining his hat-trick...GOAL!. Chelsea 4-0 Colne.
To our credit we didn't lay down and take the drubbing. We worked a golden chance for Marella who's shot went wide. We also showed some nice passing in spells and showed that non league team can play attrative football. We also didn't resort to fouling with only one yellow in the whole game to our player Pike who body check Kakuta on the edge of the area. Chelsea had wound down their attack. We looked like seeing this one out with the scores as it stood. We went agonisingly close to getting ourselve ont he score board. A Marella cross was meet with a bullet header by Vaz which rattled the crossbar and bounced away to safety. Then later Lee battled and manage to put sub Bell thorugh who's shot curled tantalisingly close to the goal but alas just wide. With a upbeat finish on the card we were delt another body blow. Chelsea sub Prosenik headed in a Bertrand corner to put them five up. GOAL! Chelsea 5-0 Colne. Then Just when we thought we'd suffered the last stroke of the whip. Connor Clifford hit a wonder strike from some distance to put the final Nail on our FA Cup coffin. FT Chelsea 6-0 Colne.

So the tables had been turned and we'd been on the receiving end of a real mauling! Still it was a record for our small club to reach the third round of the Fa Cup Proper. Also our fans had got to see their club play at a ground like Stamford Bridge, which even fans of some league team may never experience.

22/02/11 Colne 4-0 Barnoldswick.
The perfect tonic to a mauling by a premier league club! A big win over local rivals Barnoldswick. David Lee carried on his good form with a brace. Marc Hughes and Patrik Vaz the other scorers. MOM- David Lee. another impressive display from the Irishman.

25/02/11 AFC Blackpool 2-2 Colne.
We end the month with a draw to playoff contenders AFC Blackpool. Who wouldn't give up on their own promotion hopes dispite going a goal down twice. Marc Hughes opened the scoring on 13 mins. Before Blackpool leveled ten minutes before the break. Stirling got a rare goal to put us back in control. Youngster Wood gained his side a point scoring on 64 mins. MOM- Marc Hughes. Scored his 22nd of the season in a good showing.
 
Marchmaker

03/03/11 Colne 1-1 Runcorn Town.
We ended last month with a draw and begin this one with a single point too. Stephen Stirling scoring his third of the season to put us ahead. Runcorn levelled in the second half to leave honours even. MOM- Stephen Stirling. No real standout today but he put in agood shift and scored.


07/03/11 Flixton 0-3 Colne
We returned to winning ways on our travels. Fergus Bell expoding back onto the scene with an amazing hat-trick. MOM-Fergus Bell. Unplayable today and could have scored more than three.


10/03/11 New College 0-2 Colne. FA Vase Quarter Final.

We had reached the quater finals and were up against the favourites for the cup in Swindon Towns reserve team New College. in what was expeted to be a close game we came out of the traps hit New College for six. Within four minute we were a goal up Harry Rubbins scoring the opener. With New College still not quite recovered we score again ten minutes later. Marc Hughes adding to his tally. New College never got over our opening attack and we easily kept control of the game. MOM-Ed Williams. Did well in both areas helped to keep them out and provided an assist.


17/03/11 Colne 6-0 Runcorn Linnets

The competition between the strikers heated up with Gordan Patton getting an amazing four goals! Veteran winger Fraser Toms in a rare run out also got his first goal for the club. David Lee was the other scorer. MOM-Gordan Patton. Scoring four goals in a game gives you man of the match by law!


21/03/11 Bacup 0-4 Colne. NW Counties League Cup Semi Final.
We book our place in the clubs first ever cup final! Which is also our most realistic chance of gaining silverware. it turned out to be a pretty easy route to the final. Boland, Vaz, Marella and Patton all scoring. MOM-Dominic Marella. Scored and made an assist in a great display on the right wing.


24/03/11 Atherton LR 1-4 Colne.
We continued our championship charge. Bowen opened the scoring. Bell,Lee and Vaz also scored. MOM-Jordan Bowen. Showed we had great options for the centre of midfield.

31/03/11 Colne 3-0 Bacup
Bacup had a chance to avenge their semi final lose but once again we proved too strong. Hughes, Vaz and centreback Flanagan geting the goals.Losing again proved too much for Bacup captain Luker who was booked twice and sent off. MOM- Callum Flanagan. Solid at the back and proving and effective set piece threat.

Enter the final stretches of the season and we still had a chance of the treble. Now we just had to make sure we didn't fall at the final hurdle..
 
April Review

Streamlining the side
With most of the season gone the first team regulars had gotten their spots, with decent player able to step in for rotation and challenge them. I had noticed though players who had not managed to get much if any game. After gauging whether they were likely to have a future I decided to take the tough step to let some of them go. I'd also had a few grumblings about first team game time. Most would go at the end of the season but three went at the end of March..

Jack Jeffrey To St Blazey -Loan
The striker hadn't managed to get any real game time with us. With a lot of strikers freely scoring he wouldn't be getting a place any time soon. I let him go out on loan to get some much need game time. He chose to help St Blazey with their Promotion push from the SW Peninsula Prem Div.

Danny Cecil To Parkgate - Free Transfer
Danny had only made four appearences for us this season. He was only just of the ability to be a decent player for us and at 32 he wasen't going to improve. I let him leave on a free and he joined Northen Counties East Premier Team Pargate.

Gregory Hartley To Farneborough -£1000 + 35% Sell on Clause
Gregory had been frustrated at not getting the number one spot more often. He had one game in which he was largely poor letting in two goals. With Bateman being mostly reliable I couldn't justify dropping him for Hartley. So I listed him as he requested. He moved to Conference South team Farneborough. We got a token 1k fee and a sell on clause should he do well and attract a bigger fee in future.


07/04/11 Glossp 0-4 Colne
A successful start to April. Marc Hughes getting a hat-trick as he added to his already impressive goal haul this season. David Lee also getting on the scoresheet. MOM- Marc Hughes. Scored a hat-trick in a tremendous attacking display.

11/04/11 Colne 0-1 Congleton.
This is probably THE shock of the NW counties this season. We suffered our first home defeat of the season to struggling underacheivers Congleton. They were tipped to be at the other end of the table but had had a poor season so far and were now battling to avoid the drop. We were not at the race at all this game. A very very poor display from us, the poorest I'd seen so far. Credit to Congleton though they took their chance and the much needed three points for them. We were still well ahead in the title race but the loss still stings. MOM- None today all had a poor showing.


14/04/11 Consett v Colne FA Vase Semi Final.
So we had been face up against Northen League Div 1 Consett. They were having a good season in the race for promotion as well as a good cup run. After beating New College we had a real confidence would could go all the way in this competition..

It was a hotly contested match right from the of. We turned the screw though in the opening minutes. Hughes finding some space and firing a shot which graced the post on 4mins. It was backs to the wall for Consett for the next few minutes as we really turned up the heat. They held on grimly though throwing bodies infront of crosses and shots. They survived and the game calmed down again. Another danger moment sprang up as Bowen fired a shot into the area which pinballed around dangerously before it was saved and cleared away. It became hair tearingly frustrating as David Lee hit a powerfull shot which hit the crossbar and bounced on the right side of the line for Consett before they cleared it away. So far the first half had been amazingly one sided. Again Lee was denied by the woodwork this time the left post.Apart from a couple of half chances from consett it was all Colne. It somehowed ended 0-0 at half time though..

Buoyed by keeping the scores level. Consett came out swinging, creating a near chance early on which Batman smothered on the line. We reminded them who had bossed them game so far though, Vaz fizzing a shot just over the crossbar. Consett were more attacking this half contrubuting more to the game but we'd had a lot of near misses and if only moments. Then Consett's Doran fired in a low cross and Lumsden slide to meet it...GOAL!! It was the sucker punch to end all sucker punches..We had mauled them mostly just without managing to put the ball in the net. I couldn't beleive it! For some reason even though there was still time I thought this just isn't going to be our day. We destined to lose this one. Ten minutes on and we were still the team with the lion's share of control. The goal had made us falter and we were no longer making the clear cut chances. 72 mins on the clock and time was starting to press down on us. Then Marella got on the end of a Vaz cross and put it away..but it was just a shade offside! Bell had come on just after the goal for misfiring Hughes. So far thougg Lee had been the brightest and was really growing into the game. He kept battling and wining the ball from the cross hit a vicious short range shot somehows Staples got accross to save it. What did we have to do? We then almost had another sucker punch as a counter saw goalscorer Lumsden get free and attempt a chip which luckily hit the roof of the net. Farro came on for Vaz on 81 mins. Entering the closing minute you could feel the tension. There were goal mouth scrambles latch ditch tackles and blocks. Even a near own goal as a clearance hit a fellow defender and deflected back to Consett's goal. 90 mins came around and time had just about run our we had 3mins of the FA Vase left. We got a free kick which we spurned sending it was over the everybody and out for a goal kick. I could feel the time drain away. 92 mins and Williams took a throw i Bell returned it straight back and Williams pumped it intot he box..Faro and Lee both attack it and Lee just clipped it toward goal as the ball came from behind him. It rolled into teh bottom right corner! GOAL!!! A last minute leveller! We couldn't have left it any later. Shortly after the whistle went. We weren't done with the FA Vase yet!!!

In extra time it was consett's turn to feel sick to the stomach!. They didn't recover. Just over two minutes in and Farro put Lee in down the left wing he cross into the box where Marella collected it. He calmly placed it into the bottom right corner..GOAL!!
We had turned the tables in just three minutes of play. Consett finally recovered enough and they fought back. We delt with their attack and still had attempts ourselves. Then just before half time of ET Bell clipped a neat cross to last minute hero Lee and he fired the shot past the keeper to put the game beyond doubt...GOAL!!
After that it was a case of running through the remaining time. FT 3-1

So we had done it! This time the hard way! We now had two finals to look forward to. More than that this one would be a Wembley Final....


21/04/11 Winsford 1-1 Colne
Maybe we were suffering a hangover from our cup escapades. We drew thanks to an own goal which put up ahead. Still we didn't play all that well so the draw was a fair result on the day.

28/04/11 Colne 2-0 Squires Gate.
We finished the month back on track. David Lee and Patrik Vaz getting the goals and a solid win at home. MOM-Kallum O' Kane.Played a bit part in keeping a clean sheet. Also gave them **** going forward.
 
The Finish Line In Sight

So all the hard work had been worth it, we would be promoted as champions. Now all that was left to see was how much silverware would be added to the trophy cabinet..


05/05/11 Padiham 0-3 Colne
Our last NW Counties local derby and we left them all in style. Marc Hughes scoring one in each half and Stirling concerting a penalty. MOM- Marc Hughes. A keen eye for goal saw him bag a brace. His tally now stood at 33rd league goals and 40 overall.


12/05/11 Colne 6-2 Alsager.
Our final home game of the season allowed us to give a fitting send of to the fans. A real showcase match with both teams season already set. Alasager gain the lead surprisingly on 11mins. It was a brief advantage Marc Hughes levelling four minutes later. Patrik Vaz then put us in the driving seat shortly after with a goal. Not too be outshined by top goalscorer Hughes Gordan Patton set the second half alight with a hat-trick of the highest order. Marella also added to the misery for Alsager before opening scorer James Marrow gain a late consolation for the visitors. MOM- Gordan Patton. Completely stole the show in the second half.


Whatever Will Be Will Be...

So our big day at Wembley the footballing mecca for all English football fans. It would now be host the modest team of Colne for the first time in it new incarnation. We now proudly followed in the footsteps of the Colne Dynamoes who won the FA Vase against Emley at the old Wembley back in 1988. Could history repeat itself?..

FA VASE Final Colne 5-0 Sunderland RCA
The cup had been relegation headed Sunderland RCA's one ray of sunshine. We ended their dreams of getting something from this season brutally. We also had our own Wembley moment to make and we wouldn't be denied. It took a mere 3 mins to set the tone. A nice bunch of passes ending with Vaz skipping into th box and driving a low shot into the net. From that moment on there was only one team in the match. Just before 20 min Rubbins stole the ball and played it forward and a lovely link up between Hughes and Lee saw them pass it back and forth in the box. Lee saw his chance and buried it in the bottom right corner. Sunderland RCA look shellshocked. Just over ten minutes later and the game was put beyond all reasonable doubt. O'Kane lofting a clear ball back into the box, Hughes collected it spun and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner. The frustration of not being able to gain any foothold became unbearable and Sunderland went a man down. Louis Davies receiving a straight red for hacking down a clear through David Lee.

The second half we controlled without really cutting Sunderland open. Until Marella was brought down in the box and earned a penalty. David Lee stepped up and put away a Shearer like penalty into the top right corner. The game continued in the same tone till the last few minutes when we rubbed the last salt in the wounds. A break from a corner was evenatually punted into the area by Marella. Defender Baker faultered on clearing and Hughes pounced! stabbing the ball past the keeper Stamboulis. We'd done it! A Wonderful Wembley victory to savour for some time to come...MOM- Marc Hughes. Another great display cause so many problems. Scored two and set up partner Lee for his first.



19/05/11 Stone Dominoes 1-5 Colne.
Final game of the season and you could excuse us for taking it easy before our final game and second cup final. No chance though and we put on a real show to say farwell to the NW Counties Prem in some style! Everybody got a chance to shine too as Rubbins, Farro, Hughes, Stirling and Marrela all share in the scoring. The only slight blaight on the day was Rubbins limping off early. MOM- David Lee. May not have scored himself but made three assists in a fine supporting display.


Going For The Treble...

23/05/11 NW Counties League Cup Final Colne 3-1 Ramsbottom.
It was first against third as Ramsbottom prepaid to compete for silverware as well as promotion. Maybe we delt with occation better with promotion already assured. Ramsbottom had to play Maine road in the play off semi finals in just three days time. Still a treble winning season would be massive and the highest point in the club's history..

The game was much closer affair than the first cup final. The game first turned in heartbreaking fashion for Ramsbottom. After holding their own for 37 mins. Marella crossed in a low ball to the near post, Defender foster intercepted and passed the ball back to keeper Tait. He miss-controlled the ball and it rolled behind him and just over the line. What a way to go behind! But we'll take it however it goes over the line! Ramsbottom didn't lay down though just before half time they levelled. A in box scramble finally fell to Ryan O'Connell who powered home the equaliser.

We came out fast in the second half and on 51 mins we were back in front. A High Vaz cross headed towards goal by Boland. Tait could only parry it into Marella's path who tapped in an easy finish. Although they fought back Ramsbottom just couldn't get back into the game this time. Vaz got onto a Marella ball that had been cut accross the box. Winning the ball and fighting off two defender Vaz calmly stroked the ball home. Meaning he had managed to score in both cup finals. The stuffing had been knocked out of Ramsbottom and we saw out the game with some comfort. MOM- Dominic Marella. The antichrist for Ramsbottom today. Played a part in all three goals.


One Giant Leap For Colne One Small Step In English Football..

Our first season had been an amazing one. A treble of trophies. Me winning NW Counties Manager Of The Season. Also Marc Hughes winning NW Counties Player Of The Season. But it would take more get really noticed in the footballing world and even England. So onto the next challenge!!
 
Enter The Regionals..

So we had made the first big step in my aim to get us into upper reaches of the football pyramid. At the top level of English football the glory belonged to the Manchester. With Man United winning yet another premier league and City gaining an FA and League cup double. But for us the focus was now The Evo Stick League Div 1...

Pre-season plans

We already had a good squad but I was looking more for recruiting young players for the future. Plans were also well underway to improve the training facilities so the team could improve more on the training side of things. We's also taken the big step in changing the operating status to professional. This would mean new players would be training full time. Slowly new contacts would be given to all the squad to have them all training full time. This could give us another advantage in attracting players to the club.

New Additions

On top of bringing in a flock of local youngster for the U18s, we scouted and brought in a group of young talent from further afield for the reserves and even to push for first team maybe. I took advantage of signing a really promising group all on Pre-contract agreements at the end of last season. They could now join up with us..

Ryan MacKenzie,16, RC/LB- from Thunby Nirvana- Free

Young fullback with a great workrate and stamina.

Antony Palmer,16, ST- from Radcliffe Olympic- Free

Young striker for the reserves has amazing determination and bravery. Had 7 apps and 1 goal for Olympic.

Frankie Yates,16, CB- from Radcliffe Olympic- Free
Team mate of Palmer. Good potential for this player. Had 6 apps himself last season for Olympic.

Jordie Joyce, 16, ALM- from St Andrews- Free

Probably the most promising prospect out of all the youngsters. I can see this guy being a good back up for Faro and Vaz.

Gwion Hillman, 16, ARM-From Rochdale Town- Free
From a little closer for home. The young welshman was picked up by Rochdale Town picking up 5 apps and an assist to his name.
Now signs up with us.

Marvin Collins, 16, LB- Free Agent
Young player without a club from Soutport. Has some decentish and we needed a LB for our reserve team.

Clive Clapham, 16, St- From Sileby Rangers- Free

Talented striker who played a late part in Sileby's promotion push. He scored three goals and made four assists in seven games. Even scoring in the playoff semi final, with them sadly losing the second leg.

Major Signings

Now the additions who are more likely to make a big impact on the first team and club.

Paul Musselwhite, 43, GK/ GK Coach- From York City- Free
Vastly experienced goalkeeper who will bring a wealth of knowledge. He was envolved in an amazing four playoffs attempts with Scunthorpe in the old Div 4. At Port Vale he again played in a Div 2 playoff.They did howeer win the Football league Trophy that year. Before being promoted as runners up in 93/94. At Hull he again played in part in a play off semi final in Div 3. In 03/03 he won promotion to the newly named League One with Hull. Returning to Scunthorpe he won promotion from League 2 as runners up in 05/06. He even has non league success gain promotion with Gateshead in the Conference North Play Off Final in the 08/09 season. A keeper who has seen almost everything.


Bryan Hughes, 36, CM, From Tranmere- Free
The veteran midfielder joins after only make to appearences fro Tranmere in League 1. Will bring skill and experience to the centre of midfield. Also knows success making the FA cup quarter final with first club Wrexham. He then gaining promotion to the Premier League with Birmingham City via the playoffs in 2002. He also played in the 2001 League Cup final for them. Also making over 70 premier league apps for next club Charlton. He then played his part in another promotion to the Premier League this time with Hull City via the playoff in 2008.

Leam Richardson, 32, LB/RB, From Accrington- Free

Long serving Accrington player who finally leaves after seven seasons at the club. Will provide a quality older head in the full back position. Has played all over lancashire and the north west. Starting out at Blackburn, Bolton, Blackpool and finally Accrington. He has had his share of good moments too. Playing a part in Bolton's play off promotion in 2001. Was with Blackpool when they won the Football league Trophy in 2004. He was part of the Accrington Stanley side that gained promotion to the football league as Conference premier champions in 2006.


Peggy Lokando, 22, ARM/CM- From Waltham Forest- Free
Former Arsenal trainee brought in as competition for Marella in the right winger role mainly. Has also spent time at Southend, Dag And Red and Crawley as he fell down further in non league football. He made 32 apps for Waltham as they finished just three point above the drop zone. Hopefully still wants top rove something here at Colne.


Paddy Mullen, 19, ARM, Free Agent
Another right wing option as I look to get rid of cetain squad members this summer. Was a reserve at Doncaster Rovers before his release.

Bradley Dack, 17, CM, Free Agent.
Youngster released by Gillingham. Another for the future maybe. Doesn't look mind blowing just yet but I'm hoping he can grow into a really good player in time.
 
Time To Lighten The Load..

With a whole bunch of new players joining I was going to need to lighten the load a bit. These are some players who have moved out. Some to get them out of the way. Others just to help bring them on hopefully with not being quite ready..


Fraser Toms, 32, ALM/CM, To Guisborough- 3 Month Loan
Not getting any younger and not getting a look in. With better younger players coming in he has no future. Will be loaned out until he moves fully.

Jack Jeffrey, 23, ST, To Squires Gate- 6 Month Loan
Was lucky as he loan at St Blazey was going ok with 3 apps and goal before he got injured. Still no nearer to the first team though. Has six months in the NW Counties with Squires Gate to prove what he can do.

Reiss Lee, 19, CB, To Clitheroe- 3 Month Loan.
After being so so really grew in the reserves. Needs some proper game time now under his belt. Newly down Clitheroe are one of the better clubs in the NW counties too so should be a good place to learn.

Dom Bates, 19, CB, To Walsall Wood- 3 Month Loan
Only made a single appearance last season eventually mving into the reserves. Goes out on loan while I think about what to do with him. With better young players coming in it doesn't look good for him here though.

Taser Hassen, 21, ARM, To Worksop Parramore- 3 Month Loan
After making just 5 apps he was not best pleased! Not being able to promise game time he wanted to leave. Awkwardly no transfers worked out . So now has been farmed out on loan.

David Duke, 33, RB/LB, To Burgess Hill- Free Transfer
With the arrival of Richardson he didn't really have any place at the club. His places were limited anyway but there was no further need to keep him on purely as a tutor.
 
Coaches. Arrivals and Departures..

In shuffle to the backroom staff the following left :

Tim Mullock- GK Coach

Jonathan Henderson- Coach

Steve Wood- Fitness Coach


To Replace them I Brought in the follwing :

Paul Musselwhite- Player/ Gk Coach. Aleady gone over this guy!

Chris Cornelly- Coach.
Brought in partly for his good fitness stats. Also has some other great stats like his attacking coaching. Retired as a player last season seeing out that career with Osset Albion in our very own Evo Stick Div 1. Has a good knowledge of this level. Has played for Aston Utd, Leigh, Lincoln, Spalding and Radcliffe Borough.


Darren Moore- Coach
Vastly experienced former defender. Would be great to coach the defensive side of the game. Also knew great success, which hopefully will help forge a winning mentality. Started out at Torquay managing over 100 apps all bar 5 in the fourth tier. He then spent two seasons with Doncaster before moving to second tier Bradford City. There he won promotion to the Premier League. After a falling out with manager Paul Jewell in that summer he never played a prem game for them. He moved to Portsmouth where he spent three seasons in the second tier. Moving to West Brom he gained promotion in the first season being named in the Div 1 team of the year. He then experienced relegation although he played a part in them achieving another promotion back to the prem at the first try. Moving then to Derby County he won promotion to the premier league for the fourth time. He also played for Barnsley and Burton before retiring. In international football he won three caps for Jamaica.


Gavin Mahon- Coach.
Another veteran who was ready to get into coaching. Started out at Hereford. Moving on to Brentford he later acheived promotion from Div 3 as champions. Moving on to Watford where after five season he became club captain. That season they gained promotion to the Premier League through the play offs. He also played for QPR and Notts County. Last season he played fot Port Vale but only getting five games there he decided to hang up his playing boots. Will hopefully add that steel to the squads mentality and play.
 
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Warm Up

I'd ended up putting together a pre-season programme that was not too easy but without any confidence knocking games we were unlikely to win. Heres how we got on..


12/07/12 Colne 1-0 Chester.
A good test for us in Evo Stick Premier Chester. A last minute goal won us the match from Marc Hughes. It was a good chance to see oue new arrivals in action. Bryan hughes was steady and Leam richardson put in a good showing. MOM- Adam Dougan. Kept a strong defence today which allowed us to steal the game at the death.


17/07/12 Colne 3-1 Marine.
We played fellow Evo Stick Div 1 Marine and had an encouraging look at what we were up against. Marc Hughes, David Lee and Eric Farro scoring in a decent win. MOM- Marc Hughes. Scored and created the other two goals in a starkling display.


22/07/12 Colne 3-1 Worksop
We felled another team from the league above us. Eric Farro, Jordan Bowen and Fergus Bell bagged the goals. The only mar was a long term injury to Stephen Connor. Marc Hughes and Bryan Hughes also had minor injuries but would be back for the seasons start. On the plus side 16 year old Ryan MacKenzie played a full 90 mins and the youngster from Thunby Nirvana impressed at right back. MOM- Eric Farro. Had another fine game creating countless chances and scoring himself.

29/07/12 Wakefield 0-5 Colne
The team made it a perfect birthday for me putting five past fellow Evo Stick Div 1 Wakefield. Marc Hughes was back and scored a brace. Farro also got two, while Bryan Hughes got hisfirst ever goal in the red of Colne. MacKenzie played through another game really impressing again.He was joined by other young talent in Frankie Yates and Jordie Joyce. The young centre back and winger both making appearences from the bench. His free signing on a pre contract may prove to be a real bargain!. MOM-Marc Hughes. Was the perfect foward performence ripping Wakefield apart seemingly at will.


02/08/12 Colne 7-1 Chorley

Our final pre season game was against predicted Evo Stick Prem heavy hitters Chorley. We proceeded to deliver them a real beating before the assault on the promotions places of their league. It got of the a fantastic start Marella getting up ahead on 8 mins. Things calmed down before Jordan Moore-Taylor levelled things on 33 mins. Cue all **** breaking loose for Chorley before the break! Parity last all of two mins before Bell put us back in front. Moore- Taylor the went from hero to zero putting the ball in his own net two mins later, from a Stephen Stirling shot. Willie Boland then got a rare goal just before the break, skipping in the box and placing a neat shot in the bottom right corner. Chorley were shell shocked. They were finished an own goal from Nathan Green and a goal from Gordan Patton just rubbed salt in the wounds. The icing on the cake for me was young winger Jordie Joyce getting his first goal for the club. MOM- Stephen Stirling. The ex Rangers trainee really showed what he's capable of assisting three goals and bossing the centre of the pitch.


It had been a great pre season for us. We had tested ourselves against various teams in and around us and had come out on top every time. Veteran players had gelled with everybody else. While talented youngsters and been allowed to make some statements. Granted that was just pre-season games but it was a good omen either way. With our finances in great order we hadn't had the need to play whipping boys to the higher level teams. Hopefully this would keep our confidence high and serve us well going into the season...
 
Enter The Regionals...

So this was it life at a whole new level for Colne. Well for this incarnation of Colne at least. Colne Dynamoes had been on the verge of the conference premier till the whole club collapsed..Now we were attempting to follow in their footsteps..without the collapse of course..


New Signing

Paddy Mullen, 19, ARM. Brought in as a little extra cover in the right midfield. Also for pressure on Marella and Lokando to perform.

11/08/12 Marine 4-5 Colne.
The first game of the season was a nine goal thriller! It was a tough intrduction to the league at Marine who were tipped to finish 2nd. Things got of to a great start new signing Bryan Hughes scoring the first goal. Neil Harvey later levelled it ten minutes later. Then trade blows David Lee getting us ahead before Neil Harvey got his second to equalise. We went into the break 2-2. Cb Flanagan again proving to be a specialist at scoring headers from a corner. Harvey then got a flukey goal which rebounded of the post and in off keeper Bateman's back. After that it seemed we overturned marine, Stirling scoring a penalty and David Lee getting his second. Marine made it closed scoring on the 89th min to leave a tense couple of minutes. A good three points but some defensive worries.. MOM-David Lee. Scored two and caused a lot of problems for Marine.

New Signing
Bradley Dack, 17, CM. Young centre mid who was released by Gillingham. For the reserves but has potential.

15/08/12 Colne 5-3 Witton.
Our first home game in this league ended in another win. Again though we conceded our fair share! David Lee again scored a brace and Marc Hughes finally got going scoring two himself. Dominic Marella finished of the scoring. MOM- David Lee. He's Staking a real claim for one of the those striking spots with another great showing.

18/08/12 Evo Stick President's Cup Round 1 Brigg 1-2 Colne.
Our first cup competition and we got through the test. Strikers Fergus Bell and Marc Hughes both got on the scoresheet. MOM- Fergus Bell. After wating for his start he duly showed why he should be picked.

25/08/12 Garforth 1-5 Colne.

Three games in and we'd gained some real confidence and it showed. We turned back the clock to last season dishing out one of our trademark maulings. Marc Hughes showed why I'd nicknamed hin the counties level Messi by scoring all five himself! MOM- Marc Hughes Became a human howitzer and utterly destroyed garforth.

New Signings!
Harrison Reed, 17,CM. A very promising youth and coming from Southampton's youth set up i jumped at the chance to bring him in.

Alex Mullin, 18, CM. Another young center mid this time from local club Burnley. Related to Paul and John Mullin. Could growi into a future player. This means I'll probably have to thin the reserve ranks in January or at the end of the season though.

So the first month had gone as good as we could have expected. We'd shipped goals at the start but after a settling in we tighted up at the back. Also we had the chance to bring in some quality young players to help with the future plans of the club. Also with young defender Ryan Mackenzie breaking into the first team showed that quality young players could pay off big time maybe.
 
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The Indians Are Getting Restless..


So our first month had gone even better than would could have hoped for. It's not easy being the big chief though, especially when the indians get a whiff of cash at the club...

A number of the players when now moaning for better contracts, which is fair enough given the meagre wages their on at the moment. The problem is most have gone from 1 the 11 on the amp asking for stupendous wages for this level of football. The highest example of this was our star striker Marc Hughes who I would be more than happy to improve his £80 a week contract. His new found agent asking for £4600 a week is taking it a bit far though!

Most I have been able to front out and have them back down. Although more and more are becoming disgruntled..With centre back Callum Flanagan asking for a transfer. Hopefully I can keep the club steady with the unsettled players and carry on getting results...without having to pay everybody silly money..


01/09/12 Colne 7-2 Ossett Albion.
Our first match of the month was at home to Ossett. Another goal fest with us on top form and only two slip ups leading to Ossett's goals the only downside. Stirling started the scoring with Vaz next, Lee with an amazing four goals. Marella finished thing off. MOM- David Lee. With four goal is no surpise to see him here.


08/09/12 Mossley 3-7 Colne.
Another spectacle for the fans!. Hughes dispite his contract complaints scored a brace. Another contact rebel Flanagan was also amongst the scoring. Marella, Lee also scored, while Peggy Lokando bagged his first competitive goal for Colne. The other goal came by way of a Mossley own goal. MOM-Patrik Vaz. Whilst he didn't score he ran rings round Mossley today creating two goals in the process.

15/09/12 Colne 1-3 Brigg.
Well the fun had to stop some time I guess! Brigg caught us cold this day. I wondered if maybe some of the unrest was started to get to the team. Marella's goal and effort in bring the game back to 2-1 was the one positive note on and otherwise dismal display..MOM- Dominic Marella. The only player who showed a bit of fight back today.


22/09/12 Ossett 0-1 Colne.

We were having luck with Ossett it seemed beating their other club in this league. Still not fully recovered from the blow of losing to Brigg it was still a bit of an off game. After a lacklustre first half, a goal from Marc Hughes proved to be the difference. MOM- Matt Lomas. Had a fine game as part of a solid defence and his cross proved to be crucial as it lead to Hughes's winning goal.

26/09/12 Consett 0-0 Colne.
Far from saving our best for last our dullest game was the final league game of the month. In a poor game I dupposed we edged it with the only shot on target in the game. MOM- Ed Williams. Put in the most effort out there today and helped snuff out any attack on his flank.

29/09/12 Matlock 2-4 Colne. Doodson Cup.
We had a cup diversion to end the month. It looked like being an unhappy one after we went a goal down on 16 mins. Just as it seemed like being another looong 90 mins the lads found their spirit and fought back. David Lee levelling right on 45 mins. we then turned the game right on it head! Stephen Stirling heading a Vaz free kick bouncing off the cross bar..luckily he caught the rebound and headed home at the second time of asking to put us 2-1 up at the break! Our confidence up when went right at Matlock and set pieces proved to be their undoing. Another Vaz free kick this time near the corner flagg well headed in by Matin John. Things were more or less put beyond doubt wehn we won a penalty and Stirling put it away for his second. Matlock didn't give up to their credit and pulled one back late on. MOM- Stephen Stirling. A real never say die performence gave his all which was punctuated by his battling header and follow up to score.


Well we had experienced our first real problems as a team, also mine as a manager. Still so far I had managed to keep the ship on course and the season still looked like being another successful one..
 
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