January 2007/08

Fleetwood Town Reserves:
31/01/08 09:00

The FTFC Reserves have arranged a friendly against NWC Division Two side Castleton Gabriels. It will be played next Saturday, February 2nd, at Highbury Stadium with a 2:00 pm kick off. Details later.

Whitby Exit from the League Cup:
30/01/08 09:00

Whitby Town were beaten 1-0 by Frickley Athletic in last night's UniBond League Cup replay. This  leaves them free to visit Highbury, as arranged, on February 9th. The February match poster is here.

UniBond TV:
30/01/08 09:00

The tv cameras didn't make it to last night's game, unfortunately, but plans announced today suggest that they'll be all over the UniBond Leagues next season. Read them here.

Fleetwood Town 2 Gateshead 3:
29/01/08 23:00

After an even first half, Gateshead threw away the script when they grabbed a goal immediately after the restart. From then on they attacked with purpose and, even though Fleetwood got themselves ahead 2-1 with goals from Andy Bell and Andy Moran, Gateshead still pushed on to a deserved victory.

Team: Hurst, Brown, Fitzgerald (Watt), Ellis, Mercer, Pond, Wilson (Beattie), Walmsley, Bell (Denney), A Moran, Milligan

Report here.....

The Ref's Happy!
29/01/08 18:40

The teams are warming up, the ref''s happy, the rain has stopped, and the pitch is excellent. So come on; get down there.......................Game on!

Andy Moran for Fleetwood:
28/01/08 19:00

Within the last hour, Fleetwood Town have completed the signing of former Rhyl FC player Andy Moran. Striker Moran, signed for an undisclosed club record fee, had been at Rhyl for six seasons, during which time he scored 99 goals from 147 starts.

Well known to Tony Greenwood, he played for him at Bamber Bridge, having previously played for Hereford United and Tranmere Rovers. He left to join Rhyl in 2001, shortly after Tony had moved on.

Delighted to be reunited with his former player, Tony said 'Andy has scored goals wherever he has played. He is exactly the type of player that we need to bring into the squad at this stage of our season. His experience and drive will give us another gear.'

Andy goes into the squad for tomorrow evening's Gateshead game.

Thoughts from the Dugout:
Gateshead Preview with Tony Greenwood
28/01/08 16:00

It was good to finally get out there and play some football on Saturday, even if a sticky pitch, a high wind, and a confrontational opponent meant that we didn't get things all our own way. Ilkeston, who again gave us a good game, were looking to salvage a bit of pride after a run of poor results and they certainly 'got stuck in', at least until Pondy scored. That unsettled them, their demons resurfaced and at that point, we really should have been able to make the game safe. We did get there in the end, but it turned into one of those day's when you take the three points and move on.

The 'take three points and move on' message is going to be our mantra, at least for the next couple of weeks or so, as the fixture list is played out. Then, we'll have a look at where we are and work out what we need to do next!

The Reserves had a good win on Saturday against what was effectively the Bamber Bridge first team, with Danny Hurst and Jez Fitzgerald both coming back well from their injury lay-offs. Steve Foster and Nicky Ellis also had good runs out, so all of them will be in contention for a place against Gateshead. On the downside, both Shaun Beeley and Phil Robinson picked up knocks again on Saturday and I would only rate them as 50/50 for the squad. With everyone else back up to fitness, however, there is intense competition for places; a very pleasant change from the situation that we had around the turn of the year.

So tomorrow we welcome Gateshead, who are right back in contention for the play-offs. They are a good, strong and resilient side, who will be a challenge for us. But then we relish a challenge, don't we? Get yourself along to Highbury tomorrow. It promises to be a great game of football.

Until next time.
TG

Lofthouse Foundation Presentation:
28/01/08 09:00

Prior to last Saturday's Ilkeston game, Mrs Doreen Lofthouse received a cheque for £5000 from Andy Pilley on behalf of the Lofthouse Foundation. The Club were awarded the money from the FA Community Shield fund as a result of their FA Cup adventures last season, and the Lofthouse Foundation will use it to fund the purchase of much needed new equipment for the Fleetwood & District Amateur Swimming Club.

Fleetwood Town 2 Ilkeston Town 1:
26/01/08 20:00

Ok, so the pitch and the wind made things difficult for both sides, but what cracking entertainment - if you're neutral. A goal from Nathan Pond late in the first half seemed to settle Fleetwood, and awaken thoughts of doom in Ilkeston, ready for us to push on and settle it after the break. They then scored, with the only chance that they created in the second half, before Jamie Milligan netted a penalty courtesy of a bizarre foul by their keeper, James Lindley. And even then, Mike Hale had to save a penalty at the other end to secure the win. I'll stop now before it becomes a match report.

Team: Hale, Brown, Beeley (Moran), Robinson (Wilson), Mercer, Pond, Walmsley, Milligan, Taylor (Denney), Bell, Watt

Report here.....

Sorry, I forgot; Witton Albion drew.

Bamber Bridge 2 Fleetwood Town Reserves 3:
26/01/08 19:30

A good result for Stu Harris' Reserves this, particularly as Bamber Bridge, with no UniBond League fixture, fielded their first team. Goals from Jez Fitzgerald and Chris Watkinson, before Steve Foster made the game safe.

Stu's report here.....

Nicky Ellis Joins Fleetwood:
26/01/08 10:30

Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce the signing of Nicky Ellis on loan from Conference North Gainsborough Trinity. Nicky, a strong and commanding central defender, developed his football with the Sheffield United Academy until an injury interrupted his promising career. He joined Gainsborough in 2006 and has been a first team regular since then. Currently sidelined as their new manager shuffles the pack, Nicky adds vital cover to the Fleetwood back four as the promotion race intensifies.

The signing was not completed until late yesterday, too late for Nicky's inclusion in the today's first team squad, but he will get a run out with the Reserves in this afternoon's cup game at Bamber Bridge, along with fellow defenders Danny Hurst and Jez Fitzgerald.

Fleetwood Town Reserves:
25/01/08 19:30

A busy day tomorrow with the Reserves also in action, away at Bamber Bridge in their first group game in the Lancashire League Knock Out Cup. The kick off is at 3:00pm, otherwise I expect we would have had a few there!

Squad: Danny Hurst, Ryan Croft, Jez Fitzgerald, James Hone, Nicky Ellis, Kyle Webster, Ashley Dunn, Anthony Warwick, Chris Watkinson, Steve Foster, Joel Cowell, Michael Tallentire, Paul Bailey and Jamie Wright.

Thoughts from the Dugout:
Ilkeston Preview with Tony Greenwood
25/01/08 16:30

At last, we get some football. Whilst I have a committed and professional squad who train hard through the week, nothing helps keep the motivation going more than the thought of a game of football on a Saturday afternoon.

With everybody close to 100% at our Thursday training session, I also have what is called the 'luxury' of a full squad available for selection. With not having played for what seems an age, when it comes to picking a team for tomorrow, it is almost like starting a new season and, with new players coming in and others moving out, maybe that's not a bad way of looking at it - a fresh start and everything to play for!

Talking of new players, I've spent most of this afternoon on the 'phone finalising the loan signing of Nicky Ellis from Gainsborough Trinity. Nicky is an experienced and capable central defender who will strengthen our squad and provide additional cover for our back four as we regroup and reassess our playing resources for the push on to the end of the season.

I would also like to mention Ciaran Donnelly who moved on to Glenavon yesterday. Ciaran has a lot of ability, but it just didn't work out with us. I wish him well.

In practical terms, I need to get the whole squad back playing competitive football again and it is good that there is also a Reserves game tomorrow at Bamber Bridge so that the players returning from injury, who won't make the cut on this occasion, can get a run out. There is also a good chance, subject to a final clearance from our physios, that Danny Hurst will play in the Reserves squad at Bamber Bridge, with Jez Fitzgerald, Steve Foster and Ashley Dunn in front of him and, provided the paperwork clears in time, Nicky Ellis will join them. Remember, we have another big game on Tuesday and I'd like everyone match fit for that one.

Tomorrow's opponents, if you believe the press reports, are not in the best of form at the moment. That may well have had some influence on our planning a couple of seasons ago but, these days, teams come here organised, fully motivated, and relishing the chance of having a go at 'the big boys'. In any event, Ilkeston always seem to give us a game so, again, we'll probably need to be a little patient and put in the full shift, and I'll be looking for you to do the same!

Until next time.
TG

Donnelly Moves Out:
24/01/08 17:00

Midfielder Ciaran Donnelly has today signed for Glenavon FC of the Irish Premier League. Ciaran joined Fleetwood in the summer of 2007 following his release by Blackpool, but he has found it difficult to adapt to non-league football and his first team opportunities were limited of late.  

Ciaran was, however, a hugely popular presence at Highbury and everyone at Fleetwood Town would like to wish him every success in his future career.

Fleetwood U18s:
24/01/08 08:00

Having been crowded out of the Highbury Stadium fixture lists by the number of senior games scheduled during January, and the weather, the U18s get back into action with three Lancashire Floodlit League fixtures during February, all kicking off at 7:30pm. Here they are:-

Mon Feb 11th: Home v Burscough U18s
Mon Feb 18th: Home v Blackpool Rovers U18s
Wed Feb 27th: Home v Kendal Town U18s

Blackpool Reserves - Game Off:
23/01/08 12:30

Blackpool Reserves were scheduled to play Bury Reserves in their Pontin's League fixture at Highbury tonight. However, the pitch has still not recovered from the recent monsoons and so the match is postponed.

Fleetwood Town Reserves Fixtures:
21/01/08 19:00

The Reserves start out on the Knock Out Cup trail on Saturday January 26th 2008 with an away tie at Bamber Bridge, kicking off at 3:00pm. Further details of the Cup competition are here.

Updated: They also have the delayed league game against Barrow AFC arranged for Monday February 4th 2008, here at Highbury, kicking off at 8:00 pm.

Lincoln - New Date:
20/01/08 12:00

Yesterday's postponed game will now be played on Tuesday April 8th 2008 at 7:45 pm.

Game Off:
19/01/08 09:15

The overnight assessment proved to be too optimistic and, with standing water in both goal mouths, a local referee has called off today's game at Lincoln.

Lincoln Update:
18/01/08 20:00

The pitch at Lincoln is currently playable and so it is 'game on' tomorrow. No formal pitch inspection is planned for the morning but, just in case there is an unexpected deterioration in the weather, there will be a precautionary check at 9:30am. Please call back here before you leave.

Thoughts from the Dugout:
Lincoln Preview with Tony Greenwood
18/01/08 17:00

When I started writing these reviews, the idea was to keep you all in the picture regarding our pre-match activities and thoughts. The key words here are 'pre-match'! Our whole week is geared to being mentally and physically prepared for matchday, and weeks like this one, with games in doubt, are murder. However, all we can do is, like you, be prepared in the hope of a favourable pitch inspection in the morning.

In the last couple of games that we played, you will recall that we were struggling to put a team together due to suspensions, illness and injuries. At least, our enforced inactivity has given us the opportunity to get everyone back up to somewhere near 100% so, despite having learned a lot whilst playing players out of their normal positions, we will return to a more comfortable formation for Lincoln and look to deliver another good 'away performance'.

The inactivity on the field has not been matched off the field, as you will have seen from the newspage announcements. Ashley Dunn and Kyle Wilson have been added to our squad to give us a lift and to give us more options in the front third of the field. Both of them are young and ambitious players who want to be playing in the Conference North next season! Having a bigger squad does, of course, increase the competition for places, but I am also conscious of the fact that I have good players, who are not currently making the starting eleven, whose game will suffer without regular competitive football. For this reason, Jonathan Smith, now recovered from a long list of injuries, and Shaun Gray have gone out on a one month loan to Clitheroe and Prescot Cables respectively.

Until next time - when we can hopefully discuss some football.
TG.

More Weather:
18/01/08 10:30

Reserves v Lancaster City: Tonight's game at Highbury stadium is postponed due to the waterlogged state of the pitch.

First Team v Lincoln United: Like us, Lincoln is also suffering from the rain but, with a dry night forecast, there is still hope!. There will be a pitch inspection at 9:15 am tomorrow.

Gray Out On Loan:
16/01/08 22:00

Defender Shaun Gray has joined Prescot Cables on one month's loan.

Shaun, who has not been commanding a regular place in the starting line up in recent weeks, will benefit from the routine 90 minutes of competitive football that this loan will provide.

Gateshead Revisited Again!
16/01/08 20:30

The UniBond league have now brought the date of the Gateshead visit to Highbury forward to Tuesday January 29th 2008, kicking off at 7:45 pm. Obviously, this replaces the Reserves fixture scheduled for that night.

Keep the Pressure On #2!
15/01/08 19:30

Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce the arrival of Kyle Wilson at Highbury Stadium.

Kyle, a 22 year old forward who is comfortable playing through the centre or down either flank, is a former youth international who started his career with Crewe Alexandra where he was a reserve team regular. Following time at Altrincham and Wrexham, he joined Barrow in the summer of 2006 only to suffer a season long cruciate ligament injury. Regaining form and fitness this season, he left Barrow in November following the dismissal of his father as manager. He moved to Witton Albion, on a non-contract basis, from where he now joins Fleetwood.

Moving in the opposite direction is Jonathan Smith. Smith, whose time at Fleetwood has been blighted by injury, is now recovering from surgery and joins Clitheroe on one month's loan where he can command regular football and regain his match fitness.

Gateshead Revisited:
15/01/08 17:30

Tonight's postponed fixture will now be played on Tuesday February 26th, 7:45pm kick off.

UniBond League Challenge Cup:
15/01/08 11:30

Whitby Town entertain Frickley Athletic in their League Challenge Cup fourth round replay tonight. And why, you ask, should we care?

Well, the next round, quarter final, ties will be played on February 9th, when Whitby Town are due to visit Highbury in the League. So, if Whitby Town win tonight, we will be off to the Peak District to play Buxton FC on February 9th.

*Latest: Whitby is also waterlogged today! Replay now January 22nd.

Lincoln Supporter's Coach:
15/01/08 11:00

There will be no Supporter's Coach running to the Lincoln United game on Saturday. With few bookings so far, and tonight's postponement denying us the chance to drag in a few more, regrettably the coach has had to be cancelled.

The booking list is, however, now open for the visit to Leek Town on February 2nd. Early booking is essential, please, in order to help us gauge the level of interest. Call 01253 666707.

Weather Update - It's Off!
15/01/08 10:10

More overnight rain and a forecast which says 'rain all day' means that tonight's UniBond League game against Gateshead FC is postponed as the pitch is waterlogged and unplayable.

Despite the rain, the Reserves did manage to get in their training game against Blackpool Mechanics last night. The result, although not important given the nature of the game, was a 2-2 draw with goals from Tallentire and Watkinson. One notable fact, however, was the debut of Ollie Kelly, stepping up from the U18s for the first time.

Weather Reports:
14/01/08 17:30

The Reserves friendly at Blackpool Mechs will go ahead as planned tonight, kick off 7:30pm.

Tomorrow's League game against Gateshead is, however, now looking very doubtful. There will be a pitch inspection at 10:00am in the morning, with the judgement on here shortly after.

Thoughts from the Dugout:
Gateshead Preview with Tony Greenwood
14/01/08 15:30

So, here we go again, the eve of another big game and I'm spending more time studying the weather forecasts than Gateshead's form!

At least, this time, we're not hanging around and waiting as Steve Edwards has a training match set up for the Reserves at Blackpool Mechs tonight. With many first team players coming back from injury or suspension, and others just in need of a game, I can grab this opportunity of giving some of them a run out - weather permitting of course. It will also give Ashley Dunn a chance of a game with his new team mates. He literally came in at the eleventh hour on Saturday to provide me with additional cover as, again we struggled to find fourteen 100% fit players.

Talking of injuries, you will have seen Danny Hurst is now back in training. His hand is healing well, although he still has restricted movement in one finger. Provided it is well protected, he can get in some serious practice, but he still needs a couple of weeks of intensive physio before he will be back in contention for a place in the team.

For the Gateshead game, Jerome Watt and Ricky Mercer return to the squad so we will be in a better position than Saturday, although I still won't know my starting line up much before the kick off.

Gateshead are, of course, going very well but, as you know, the bigger they are, the more we seem to like it. The fact that Witton Albion are not playing tomorrow also gives an added edge to the game and makes the three points even more significant although, of course, that changes nothing where the players are concerned, all they can do is just go out there and win it.

Until next time.

Reserves v Blackpool Mechs:
13/01/08 20:30

With the Reserves having few fixtures of late, and the first team having players returning from injury and suspensions or needing a game, a friendly has been arranged against Blackpool Mechanics, at their place, for tomorrow evening kicking off at 7:30 pm. We can't promise any pies, but you will be welcome if you fancy a trip down there!

Squad: Mark Smith, Kyle Webster, Christian Dust, Michael Tallentire, Rik Bryan, Jonathan Smith, Jerome Watt, Ciaran Donnelly, Mark Davis, Ashley Dunn, Jez Fitzgerald, Phil Denney, Chris Watkinson, Dave Stephenson, James Hone, Ryan Croft and Jamie Wright.

Fleetwood Town 2 North Ferriby United 1:
12/01/08 19:20

A familiar pattern here as Fleetwood failed to take t