Category: Club News

Player departures

The club can confirm defender has left the club to join NPL Division One West side Widnes.  Jack came in at a time when the club had injuries and suspensions and made 11 appearances across all competitions but can’t be guaranteed regular football.

That’s along with Harry Bunn who has left the club to join NPL Division One West side Avro, Bunn made 65 appearances, across all competitions, since joining last summer, scoring 10 goals.

With his workload at Manchester City academy increasing, it was difficult for him to commit to the club so asked to leave.

We wish both Jack and Harry well

Jordan Scanlon – It gave us a little confidence boost

After a goal and two assists we caught up with Jordan Scanlon after his player of the match performance against Ilkeston Town

On his goal

“Yeah, it’s one of those where you just need a little boost. Getting the goal spurs you on and gives you more confidence to go and do what I did with the other two goals. I just needed something to give me that spark, and taking that shot—which went through the keeper—did exactly that.

We always seem to concede goals like that, where there’s a little spill or something, so it’s about time we got a bit of luck on our side. Thankfully, it went in, and we pushed on to get the three points.”

On picking up the three points

“It felt like we hadn’t won in ages! So it was a real boost. Hopefully, we can push on in the league now.”

I think we needed a win like that, one where we grind it out rather than just playing well and not getting the result. When you’re in a tough spell, sometimes you just need to get over the line, and that’s exactly what we did. It was a good win and hopefully tonight gives us the confidence to push on as a team, climb the table, and start picking up more points.”

On the future

”Tonight showed what we can do on the pitch, especially in that second half and if we play like that again, there shouldn’t be anything stopping us.

Hopefully, we can take that momentum into the next game and do it again.”

Nick Spooner – ”A lot of relief” – Ilkeston Town Post match

Manager Nick Spooner spoke of his relief after the Tigers secured a vital 3-1 win at home to Ilkeston Town, which moves them back into the top 10 after goals from Jordan Scanlon, a Jack Redshaw Penalty and Lewis Thompson cancelled out Sam Parker’s opener for the visitors.

”We needed the three points, obviously everyone was getting frustrated but performances have been good, and tonight that was probably our worst first 45 minutes. It’s funny, isn’t it? We’ve played really well in so many games and not got our rewards. Then tonight, we weren’t quite as good, yet we won 3-1

Ilkeston worked hard off the ball, especially first half putting us under real pressure. We were stuck in no man’s land: do we play football and try to pass around them, or do we go long ourselves?

In the second half, our two central midfielders started showing for the ball, which allowed us to push higher up the pitch, win second balls in their half, and then keep possession. That’s when we started causing problems.”

On the Equaliser

”Jordan Scanlon’s shot—yes, the keeper could have done better, but we got the goal from it, and it lifted us. I always say that’s Jordan Scanlon for you, He causes problems all over the pitch and he was actually about to come off before that moment, but in training, he does that all the time.

I told him before the game, ‘Can I have the training ground Jordan Scanlon tonight?’ And then he scores that goal! His acceleration and pace won us the penalty as well. After that, he played with freedom and joy.”

On Jack Redshaw getting back on the scoresheet

”It was great for Jack to get on the scoresheet as well. We’ve been careful with him he’s had a few personal challenges off the pitch, looking after his family and mentally, he’s been drained.

As a club and as a manager, I had to put his welfare first so when he came off, I said to him, ‘Welcome back.’ He’s buzzing again, and I’m really pleased for him.

The dressing room is buzzing too, but I think there’s a real sense of relief. We had some harsh words at halftime because it looked like men against an academy team and we weren’t competing.

As for the penalty—it’s rare for us to get one! I wasn’t sure if it was in the box, but we got it.  But when you’re positive, when you run at defenders, you cause problems and that’s exactly what happened.”

On moving forwards

”We’ve moved up to ninth now, but we have to take it game by game. At the same time, we’ve set a standard now. I told the players that I was getting nervous looking down the table, and I haven’t done that since I’ve been at this club.

Now, we’re looking upwards. A lot of teams still have to come here, and the playoffs are far from over. If we build momentum and confidence, we can put together a good run.

In previous years, this is the time of the season where we’ve faltered, but now we have a chance to push on.”

Looking ahead to Saturday

”Next up is Workington away, it’s a really tough place to go. We’ve had a good record there, but they’re a strong side, direct, and they got a good result tonight, (away at Bamber Bridge) In this league, you never get an easy game, and that will be another big test.”

On the fans 

”I want to give credit to the fans. They’ve stuck by us. With City playing and this being a rearranged game, I really appreciate those who stayed behind. They haven’t said a single negative word.

They’ve been superb, and I’m just pleased for them because despite late goals and setbacks, they’ve stayed with us. Tonight was for them.”

 

 

FC United match arrangements

For our game on Saturday at FC United of Manchester

Segregation is in place for this game.  Away supporters are to enter via turnstiles 9 & 10 which will open at 1:15pm.

Away supporters will have access to the West stand behind the goal and the end of the Main Stand, with seating available on a first come basis and they will have access to a bar and food kiosk.

Lets get down there and support the Tigers

In memory of Mike McKenzie

All supporters are asked to join us in a minute’s applause prior to the Morpeth game on Saturday as we pay tribute to former manager, Mike McKenzie, who sadly passed away recently after a short illness.

Mike won an impressive 7 trophies during his spell with us (1994-2001) as well as runs to two FA Trophy Semi-Finals and the FA Cup 1st Round and was still a regular visitor to Hyde United, joining us more recently in the Pete O’Brien Lounge for the Ashton United game.

Our sincere condolences go out to Mike’s family and countless friends and we’re pleased that many of Mike’s close relatives are able to join us as guests for the match.

Glover departs

Midfielder Jay Glover has left the club to go and pursue an amazing opportunity in New Zealand.

Jay joined the club at the end of September, from Matlock Town, and with injuries hampering his progress he only made nine appearances for the Tigers.

We’d like to wish Jay well in his new adventure and thank him for his contribution whilst at the club

Former Manager Mike McKenzie

The club are saddened to hear of another former manager, Mike McKenzie passing away.

Mike was a biggest success as manager in his time in charge between 1994 & 2001 fighting through to the FA Cup 1st Round and FA Trophy semi final in his first season & the Trophy semis again in his second.  He had a win ratio of 46.3% and his side played some exciting stuff and they came close to promotion, to what was then the conference, on several occasions.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family and friends.

Match v Ilkeston postponed

Tomorrow’s match at home to Ilkeston Town (Saturday 11th January) has been postponed due to snow and ice on the pitch.

With the overnight temperature set to be below freezing the prospect of the pitch thawing out was very low the referee and the league have agreed to the postponement.

A date for the re-arranged fixture will be announced in due course