Ramsbottom United manager Chriis Willcock has drawn on the experience of former Bury midfield player RICHIE BAKER as he attempts to get the Rams’ season back on track after a much-disrupted campaign so far.
Already behind with League and League cup matches, with plenty still to play for, the experienced former Football League player joins his former Bury team-mate Tom Kennedy at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.
Richie began his career at Manchester United before signing for Preston North End.
In 2006 he moved to Gigg Lane where he established himself as a regular in the team, making 107 appearances for the Shakers and notching six goals.
In 2010, he had a brief spell with Oxford United, before joining National League side Barrow.
He has also played for Tamworth, Stockport County, AFC Fylde, FC United of Manchester, Curzon Ashton, and most recently Colne.
Joining Baker is defender RICK PETERS, who has moved from NWCFL side Congleton Town. The 27 year old has previously played for Irlam and Maine Road.
Ramsbottom United are delighted to announce the signings of Luke Thompson, Reece Fishwick & Ben Hampson.
First of all, Luke Thompson is no stranger to the Rammy faithful he’s played 130 games for the club over three seasons and re-joins the club after spending the first part of the season at Lancaster City. Luke originally joined the club in July 2016 from North West Counties Side, Nelson where he was the club captain. He’s known as a combative, tough tackling out and out defender, ‘Thommo’ impressed supporters during his first spell at the club, and deservedly won the Player of the Year award at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Next up, Reece Fishwick joins the club from Buxton. Fishwick is a versatile player that can play at full back and in midfield, Reece spent last season at Prescot Cables and is also a former Preston North End youth teamer.
Finally, right back Ben Hampson joins the Rams. He spent last season in Australia and returned to England in the summer and has spent time at Ossett United before moving to East Lancashire to join the club. Ben has a tall and strong physical presence in the back line and is not afraid of getting forward.
We welcome all three lads to the club and are all available for selection for Saturday’s trip to Clitheroe.
RAMSBOTTOM UNITED - PLAYER & COACHING STAFF PROFILES - 2019/2020 SEASON
COACHING STAFF
MANAGER: Chris Wilcock
Joined the Rams in October 2018, having previously been in charge of the now defunct Premier Division side Shaw Lane FC. Spent four years as manager of Glossop North End, leading them to promotion to the Evo-Stik League and a trip to Wembley in the Final of the FA Vase. Took the Rams to the last 16 of the FA Trophy and a play-off position in his first season.
ASSISTANT MANAGER: Lee Donafee
Assistant manager with Chris Willcock at various clubs, he also joined the Rams in October 2018
FIRST TEAM COACH: Lincoln Adams
Another trusted member of Chris' back-up team, who, again, moved to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium in October 2018
CHIEF SCOUT: Warren Nolan
PHYSIO: Sophie Lomax
Joined the Rams during the summer of 2019, having previously been the physio at fellow Northern Premier League side Clitheroe
PLAYERS
GOALKEEPER
Tom Stewart
23 year old who joined the Rams in August 2019, having previously played down south for Whitehawk FC
DEFENDERS
Tom Kennedy (Club Captain)
The defender/midfielder arrived in July with over 400 football league games behind him for the likes of Bury, Rochdale, Leicester City and Barnsley. Having helped Bangor City to second place in the Welsh Premier League, he joined his local club in the summer of 2018 and proved to be an inspirational club captain.
Kelvin Lugsden
Kelvin signed in November 2018 from Gainsborough Trinity, having previously been at Droylsden. The centre-back spent nine years with Glossop North End making over 400 appearances for the Hillmen, and also had a spell with the now defunct Shaw Lane FC
Luke Thompson
Luke is no stranger to the Rammy faithful he’s played 130 games for the club over three seasons and re-joined the club in October 2019 after spending the first part of the season at Lancaster City. Luke originally joined the club in July 2016 from North West Counties Side, Nelson where he was the club captain. He’s known as a combative, tough tackling out and out defender, ‘Thommo’ impressed supporters during his first spell at the club, and deservedly won the Player of the Year award at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Ryan Ellison
The 23 year-old defender initally joined the Rams in February 2018 on a permanent deal from Clitheroe but he left the club in the summer of 2019. During pre-season he's spent time with Skelmersdale United to get some minutes under his belt after his opperation in July 2019 Ryan spent his youth at Man City and Sunderland academies, and has excellent non-league experience with Hyde and Stockport County. During his first spell at the club he made 55 appearances over two seasons and scored one goal against Kendal in September 2018 in a game the Rams won 1-0.
Teddy Perkins
Originally from Essex, the highly rated defender is on loan from Burnley in order to gain further experience and strengthen the Rams back-line
Harry Norris
18 year old prospect joined the Rams just before the start of the 2019/20 season having previously been at Oldham Athletic
Daniel Murphy
Plays at centre back. Signed for the Rams in September 2019. Born in Liverpool
Reece Fishwick
Fishwick is a versatile player that can play at full back and in midfield, Reece spent last season at Prescot Cables and is also a former Preston North End youth teamer. He joined the club in October 2019
Ben Hampson
Right-back Hampson joined the Rams in October 2019, He spent last season in Australia and returned to England in the summer of 2019 and has spent time at Ossett United before moving to East Lancashire to join the club. Ben has a tall and strong physical presence in the back line and is not afraid of getting forward.
MIDFIELDERS
Eddie Moran
Eddie is a familiar face to the Rammy faithful as well as to the Manager. Eddie was a key part of Chris Willcock’s 2015 Glossop team that won the North West Counties double and played at Wembley in the FA Vase final. Joining the Rams in 2017, Eddie left for a short spell at Wythenshawe Amateurs before Willcock brought him back to the club in summer 2018
Jamie Rother
A talented midfield player who joined the club in 2015. The 2016-17 season was a nightmare for Jamie as he suffered a nasty injury pre-season at New Mills, and only came back towards the end of the season. The tenacious midfield player is in his fifth season with the Rams, already having notched up over 100 appearances.
Daniel Naidole
From a well-known rugby league family, Daniel instead chose the round ball and joined the Rams in the summer of 2019. Happy in midfield or up front, most of his career was spent “over the border” in Yorkshire, turning out for the likes of Yorkshire Amateurs, Emley, Ossett Albion and Brighouse Town.
Nic Evangelinos
Nico joined Ramsbottom in the summer of 2018 after a very successful season with Ashton United, in which he scored several high profile goals including a goal in the EvoStik Premier Division playoff final victory over Grantham. Before Ashton, Nico plied his trade in the North West Counties playing for West Didsbury and Chorlton. Nico is a forward who is dangerous in any attacking role.Was voted “Players player of the Year” in his first season at the HWRS.
Iyrwah Gooden
18 year old speedy winger/forward joined the Rams on loan during season 2018/19 from Mansfield Town, impressing the Rams faithful during his time at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. The highly rated youngster left the Stags at the end of the season and promptly signed for the Rams.
Khalil Osi-Efa
A 21 year old defensive midfielder, Kal was brought to the club by Assistant Manager Lee Donafee who spotted him playing at County level in Merseyside. Khalil has been on the books at Tranmere Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Everton.
STRIKERS
Reuben Jerome
Reuben joined the Rams in October 2018 from AFC Emley after spells with Warrington Town, Brighouse Town and Southport. Reuben can play on the wing or as a centre forward.
Karl Jones
A 6ft plus striker spent time out of the game due to injury, but is now back to full fitness having signed for the Rams during the summer of 2019. Well-known to manager Chris Willcock from their time together at Glossop North End, he then moved to Hyde United before being forced to take a break from the game.
It’s back to the bread-and-butter of League action as the Rams welcome Marine to the HWRS.
The home side will be looking to extend their 100% home league record against a side that has won two and lost two on the road.
Marine, who were relegated last season for the first time in their 125 year history, arrive in fourth spot in the table with 19 points from their ten games. The Rams are down to ninth but have played just nine games and acquired 16 points.
A 5-0 win would see the home side leap-frog their Crosby-based opponents!
Rueben Jerome will be serving the second of his three game ban for being dismissed in the last home game against Colne in the FA Trophy, whilst into the squad come the three debutants who featured in the 2-1 defeat at Clitheroe last Saturday, Reece Fishwick, Ben Hampson and the popular returnee Luke Thompson.
If selected, they will all be making their home debuts.
After a slightly disappointing run of results, the Rams will be looking to get their season back on track, and they won’t have a tougher test than this one against the team from Merseyside.
BetVictor Northern Premier League club Ramsbottom United is looking for someone to join their Commercial team.
The successful applicant will be working on a commission basis with a view to attracting more advertising and sponsorship for the club.
Matchday sponsorship within the dedicated Sponsors Lounge during home games will be the principle aim, along with securing additional advertising around the ground.
Other opportunities will arise, such as Player Sponsorship and Matchball Sponsorship, and any further ideas would be welcome.
Applicants should, preferably, be local with a knowledge of the area, and be available during home games to welcome guests and encourage return visits and additional sponsorship.
Working hours would be flexible to tie in with the applicants other commitments.
If this sounds like the opening and opportunity for you, please contact either Chairman Harry Williams on 07849 686374 or submit an application to the club secretary, Tony Cunningham, on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Rams get there FA Trophy campaign underway tomorrow as they welcome league rivals Colne to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium. The Rams are looking to keep there 100% home record in tact as they welcome Steve Cunningham’s side to Ramsbottom.
Colne are coming into this game after being drawn against Gateshead in the FA Cup on Monday and being unbeaten in there last four games including that win against Dunston last week that got them that tie at the Gateshead International Stadium.
Peter Doran, David Maher & Daniel Murphy all made there first starts of the season for the Rams last Saturday and manager Chris Willcock praised them in his post match interview “the new players have done a great job. They’ve come in and trained really hard. We haven’t turned a corner but made a step in the right direction”
Ryan Ellison is avaliable for selection after he returned to the club this week, Reuben Jerome made his return from injury in last week’s win against Brighouse.
The Rams will be looking to improve on recent form against Colne, they haven’t won against the side since November 2016 under Mark Fell, the last time the two sides met in February 2019. Nic Evangelinos scored Rammy’s only goal in a 3-1 defeat at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.
Saturday’s game also marks the 9th annual non-league day, it’s always scheduled to coincide with an international break, Non-League Day provides a platform for clubs to promote the importance of affordable volunteer led community football while giving fans across the country the chance to show support for their local non-league side and we want you to come down to the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium and support the Rams!
If you can’t make the game against Colne you can follow live updates on the clubs twitter & facebook pages just search for Ramsbottom United or you can tune into the coverage from Roch Valley Radio via rochvalleyradio.org.uk/listen and scroll down to Roch Valley Radio Xtra. Aaron Benson & Charley Rattan will be bringing you the coverage from 2pm, our very own Tony Cunningham will be speaking LIVE to the pair ahead of kick-off tomorrow.
The 23 year-old defender initally joined the Rams in February 2018 on a permanent deal from Clitheroe but he left the club in the summer of 2019.
During pre-season he's spent time with Skelmersdale United to get some minutes under his belt after his opperation in July 2019
Ryan is a product of the Man City and Sunderland academies, and has excellent non-league experience with Hyde and Stockport County.
During his first spell at the club he made 55 appearances over two seasons and scored one goal against Kendal in September 2018 in a game the Rams won 1-0.
Ryan is eligible for selection for tomorrow's FA Trophy fixture with Colne
It's great to have Ryan back at the club and we can't wait to see him back in Rammy blue!
Having had a week off following the disappointing defeat at Workington last Saturday, the Rams will be looking to get back on board as they welcome Brighouse Town to the HWRS.
Brighouse arrive in mid table after a 1-0 home defeat against Marine on Monday night, leaving them with 9 points from eight games, and an away record of one win one draw and one defeat, whilst the Rams have just dropped out of the play-off spots with 13 points from their seven games.
The Rams 100% home record will be tested against a club that was cruelly denied promotion last season after winning the East Division play-off, due to the ludicrous attempt by the FA to re-design the non-league pyramid. Our sympathies lie with our west Yorkshire rivals, and, indeed, had we been successful in our play-off quest last season, we would probably have suffered the same unfair result.
It seems quite obvious that clubs at our level receive very little consideration when the likes of Liverpool can escape being thrown out of the EFL cup for fielding an ineligible player (a mere slap on the wrist and a fine that is loose change to them). Kidsgrove Athletic were unceremoniously booted out of the FA Trophy last season for the same offence. Our neighbours Bury are too small to stand up to the “might” of the EFL, but the arrogance of the big boys yet again sees the authorities cower to their power. Their defeated opponents MK Dons merely received a token apology!
So what better way to ignore the arrogance of the top-level clubs in favour of real football, with a trip to the HWRS and what potentially could be an excellent competitive game of football.
The Rams return to League action after an enforced three week gap, due to our participation in the FA Trophy and our blank Saturday last week when our scheduled opponents, Colne, were involved in the FA Cup.
The game sees a short trip up east Lancashire to Shawbridge, home of local rivals Clitheroe, a team with whom the Rams have been in competition many times.
Whilst the Rams inactivity has seen them slide out of the play-off places to 9th spot having played just 8 games (only Colne and Dunston have played less), the host have jumped above into 7th having gained 18 points from their 12 games, just 2 points ahead of the visitors.
So a win for Ramsbottom would see them leapfrog the home side and close the gap on other clubs above.
Clitheroe’s home record is a straight two wins, two draws and two defeats, so much will depend upon which side Clitheroe put out for the afternoon, whilst the Rams will be raring to return to action, and are likely to do so with one or two new faces in the squad.
As always, games between these two old rivals are usually entertaining, and in some cases, controversial affairs, so whilst hoping that the heavy rain forecast between Friday afternoon and kick-off does not cause too many worries, a game well worth watching awaits.
If we get any news of a pitch insepction we'll update our social media accounts and the website as soon as we get news.
This season Ramsbottom United supporters have launched a “Goal of the Month” award, as voted for by their members.
The first recipient is JAMIE ROTHER, for his strike in the FA Cup victory at Maltby Main.
Jamie, who was absent from the squad that were beaten in the FA Trophy by Colne, through illness, was presented with his prize donated by local firm Irwell Works Brewery, and he is seen collecting the pack of beer from Supporters Club Chairman Daz Comer.
It may have been a mixed month for the team, but one player still received the accolades from the Rams supporters.
FA Cup victories over Winsford United and Maltby Main, with a league victory against Clitheroe and a welcome point on the road at Ossett United, started the month off well, but it finished with two disappointing defeats, as Ramsbottom United exited the FA Cup at Gateshead, and followed that up with a heavy league defeat at leaders Workington.
But the usual all-action and totally committed performances of long-serving Ram JAMIE ROTHER won him the plaudits from his fans, and he was duly presented with his prize, “sponsored by Bowland Brewery the Official Cask Beer of the Northern Premier League”.
He received the award before the home 2-0 victory on Saturday against Brighouse Town.
Jamie receives his award from Supporters Club member Dawn Charleson
Providing the rain holds off sufficiently, the Rams hope to make the long journey up to the west Cumbrian coast, avoiding a repeat of Tuesday when the weather took it’s toll on the trip to south Cumbria and Kendal Town.
On the same night, Workington made the journey down to east Lancashire, only to return home on the back of a 2-0 defeat, but they still sit top of the table by virtue of the number of games played.
They have amassed 20 points from ten games, with four wins and a draw from their five home games, so they are looking to make Borough Park something of a fortress as they aim to make a speedy return to the Premier Division from where they were relegated last time round.
The Rams were hoping to get the 6-0 thrashing at Gateshead in last Saturday’s FA Cup tie out of their system pretty quickly but the postponement put paid to that.
Instead it’s a tough and long trip up to Cumbria with the intention of gaining three more points as the race at the top of the Division hots up.
The Rams have played just six league games, but the 13 points total leaves them handily placed in sixth spot.
The league table is beginning to take shape, and it looks as though no team is about to run away with things this campaign, so it’s a case of looking at every game as it comes along, with the Rams good away form since the arrival of Chris Wiillcock almost twelve months ago an indicator of how the team travels with confidence.
That confidence will be needed on Saturday as the home side will be looking to return to winning ways after the Clitheroe defeat.
