Monthly Review: September

It has been a busy month at AFC Oldham as we have seen the start of the season for all eight teams from Juniors through to both Men and Women. As we enter the first week in October, we are provided with a great opportunity to reflect on the events of September across the club…

On The Pitch
Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II our seasons paused to pay our respects. However, the Men’s Third team have arguably kicked on and had the best month securing six points out of the possible nine. It has been a month of mixed results for both the Men’s First and Reserve Team, who under new management are still building the foundations for future success.

After their surprise promotion over the summer, our Women’s First Team are now mixing it with some of the best teams in the Greater Manchester division. However, they have not let that phase them as they secured their first win of the season with a brilliant 3-2 win over West Didsbury and Chorlton. The Reserve team, under the stewardship of Paul Steel-Smith in his first month in management, didn’t register a win in September but have displayed great character, grit and determination and are getting better with each game.

The junior sides have both kicked off their seasons in the MYSL and are both progressing really well. The Under 11’s team, placed in the top league have one win on the board out of the two games played and are looking more and more confident as a team in every game they play. Whilst the results haven’t gone in the way of the U10s in the two games played in September, no questions can be asked about the player’s attitude. They are always listening and looking to learn and develop which is all we can ask for as coaches.

Managers Comments
Reviewing the first month of the season, here’s what each manager at the club had to say…

Aaron Harrington (Men’s First Team): “My first month at AFC Oldham has been very rewarding. The community surrounding the club is fantastic, everyone has been welcoming and helpful. There is a great sense of excitement about what we are all working towards, the squad is beginning to gel and focused on improving week by week to complete and make all involved proud to be #TeamAFCO.”

Andy Steel (Women’s First Team): “I am happy with the start to the season, the players have adapted to the new division and signings have fit in well. We’ve made an ok start on the pitch, now it’s time to build on it and keep improving.”

Kane Harrison (Men’s Reserve Team): “I have had a great first month at the club, we have a brilliant group of lads who are committed and always giving me 100%. Even though results haven’t quite gone our way, our performances have deserted more overall, we just need to work on our ruthlessness. The club and committee have been great and always ready to provide support whenever its need. I am very happy so far to be part of #TeamAFCO.”

Paul Steel-Smith (Women’s Reserve Team): “My first month in charge of the Women’s Development (Reserve) Team has been exciting, challenging and rewarding in equal measure. I can’t wait to see where the season takes us, we have a special group of players.”

Lawrence Collins (Men’s Third Team): “Despite having a tough pre-season against teams from a higher level, we have had a good start to the season. Hopefully, our hard yards over the summer will put us in good stead for the long season ahead. New additions to the squad have given us some needed impetus and competition for places! Luckily I have already been around the club for a number of years but the welcome into management and advice so far from others in the club has been invaluable. I am hoping for a good season for all the teams and the club in general as those working hard of the pitch deserve some success on it!”

Mark Jackson (Men’s Sunday Team): “It has been a tough start to the season, we have lost our main point of attack, as our striker who got 51 goals last year has left to play at a semi-professional level, we obviously wish him the very best. Add to that the 6 or 7 injuries to other key players and it’s been a challenging start to the campaign. We have played and lost two tight games, the lads who have come in have shown plenty of spirit and determination and I’m sure we can get the points tally moving soon.”

Jordan Leach (Under 11’s Team): “We have started the season really positively. We have two wins under our belt from the first three games and more importantly, you can really see the players gelling and forming a real bond on the pitch. We have some players who have been playing for a while despite being at under eleven and they are more than happy to support those that aren’t as experienced in game situations. Both me and Liam are really happy with the start to the season and would like to thank the parents for their ongoing support.”

Kris Newton (Under 10’s Team): “I was delighted when offered the position of Under 10’s team manager, not only is it a highly rewarding role but provides opportunities to develop our younger players. I can’t believe how fast the first month has gone! With an exciting league ahead of us, I feel proud to be leading such a dynamic young team, who are full of joy, passion, ambition and always looking to learn.”

Off The Pitch
It was great to see the arrival of our brand new kits, once again Hope & Glory Sportswear have exceeded expectations with the design. Great work by committee members Ross and Andy in capturing our club’s colours yet implementing a modern, innovative and unique style. We are proud to be one of very few clubs that have the same kit for every team, from juniors to adults. You can purchase these kits directly from the Hope & Glory website by clicking here.

This month we held our very first Sponsors & Partners Dinner at club partners Blue Tiffin Restaurant. The event was attended by over 30 club officials, managers, captains, sponsors and nominated charity & community partners. It presented a fantastic opportunity to build a greater rapport with our partners and find out more about the people behind the businesses and organisations that support our club.

Final preparations are taking place for our annual flagship fundraiser, An Evening With Kevin Keegan! If you haven’t secured your tickets yet, don’t hang around. It is set to be a fantastic evening of entertainment and the perfect way to build up to the FIFA World Cup. For tickets or more information, contact Club Development Officer Andy Rowlandson via email development@afcoldham.co.uk

Finally, we have opportunities for new volunteers to join the club in a variety of roles including Club Secretary, Junior Development Officer, Men’s Reserve Team Asst Mgt, Women’s First Team Asst Mgt. If any of the above appeals to you and you would like further information, contact Chairman Dale Harris via email chairman@afcoldham.co.uk.

#TeamAFCO