Wisbech Town FC
The Features Page
Wisbech town in the FA Trophy
The Fenmen do not have, as yet, a prestigious history concerning the FA Trophy, unlike their wonderful FA Vase record which includes one quarter-final and two semi-final appearances. In fact, until the reorganization of the competition last season, Wisbech had never appeared in the rounds proper, having failed to negotiate the qualifying rounds in the previous thirteen attempts.
The FA Trophy, a competition for semi-professional, non-league clubs with the incentive of playing in the final at Wembley Stadium, began in the 1969/70 season. Then the Fenmen were in their last season in the Southern league before dropping down to the Eastern Counties League due to financial problems. Drawn at home in the 1st Qualifying Round, an ignominious 2 - 0 defeat by Corby Town ended any progress.
Next season St Neots were the visitors to Fenland Park and they were happy with a two-all draw, however, they succumbed by one goal to nil in the replay and in the 2nd Qualifying Round Bury Town stole the honours by virtue of two goals to one.
The rest of the seventies saw the Fenmen go out to Lowestoft (three times), Boston Town, Barking, Corby and Ware amongst others. The two high spots were three games against Chelmsford City, and a three-nil win over Corby Town. The Trophy never seemed to be high on the Fenmen's priority list and after a 4 - 0 defeat at Wellingborough Town in season 1980/81 the Board of Directors decided that the FA Vase would be the better option for the Club, indeed Stamford's success in that competition (Winners 79/80, Runners Up in1976) most probably swayed their decision.
When the Fenmen rejoined the Southern League, now known as the Dr Martens League in 1997/98, the FA Trophy had been reorganised and the only clubs accepted were from the Conference, Dr Martens, Unibond and the Rymans Premier and Division One, 176 clubs.
Clevedon Town were the visitors to Fenland Park, a pulsating first half saw the Fenmen three goals to the good, however a fight back by Clevedon meant the Fenmen were relieved to hear the final whistle, winning by four goals to three. A 2 - 0 win at Rymans Premier club, Oxford City, gave the Fenmen a home tie against Raunds Town. Despite dominating the match for long periods a two all draw resulted and on the Wednesday before the 2nd round proper FA Cup match with Bristol Rovers, the Fenmen lost by three goals to two after extra time, Raunds winner coming from an own goal.
Last season, a travesty of a match at Canvey Island where the Fenmen lost by one goal to nil, there was so much water standing on the pitch water-polo would have been possible.
This season The Fenmen have been given a bye until the second round proper and with luck and good team performances the "twin towers" could be greeting the Fenmen before they disappear in the name of corporate progress, i.e. the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium.
Stranger things have happened in football, it could be our year!
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Review of the 1999/2000 Programme The look and feel of this year's programme is, in essence, very similar to that of last year, with a few welcome additions. Gordon has maintained the excellent standard of previous years and is increasingly looking for ways to further improve the content. The first obvious difference to last year's programme is the front cover. Photos of the players in action have been replaced by the Town emblem which from this season has also become the club badge. |
There has been no price change from last year despite many clubs adding 10% to the price of their programmes last season.
In addition to the chairman and managers' notes, the opponent's history and pen-pics, a history of previous encounters, results, tables, reports and statistics, all of which were present last season, Gordon has this year produced two new feature articles.
The Internet feature either reviews the best amateur club sites currently available or offers the chance to view an article from a current site. This feature is both entertaining and informative.
Gordon's other new feature is written by Wisbech Town Vice Chairman, Merlin Saddleton. This is probably my favourite new addition, based on statistics, Merlin offers an insight into everything you want to know about amateur football and more besides.
The only disappointment is Gordon's last word feature, which in years gone by has struck fear into the hearts of directors and club helpers alike. Where are the witty comments to which we have grown so accustomed! Has Gordon gone soft or is he just trying to woo everybody into a false sense of security.
This years programme is definitely worth the purchase price, with plenty to read, unlike those of some other clubs that fill ninety percent of their pages with adverts. Our score - 8/10.
A Chat With The Boss
We have spoken to the board, we have had a statement from the club and we have talked to the fans, but what does the man himself think of his appointment as new boss of the Fenmen?
You are obviously very enthusiastic about the club, do you feel that this plays a part in your popularity with the players?
"I think that if players see that you are enthusiastic about the club, it is easier for them to be the same. The players have responded brilliantly to my appointment and have been very supportive"
How many signing's to do you feel are needed?
"Four to start off with but if somebody becomes available and we have the budget we have to consider them. I wont just bring anybody to the club, they must have ability".
Do you agree with me that we are missing a hero and a super sub?
"I wish we had been able to hold onto Shaun Keeble. He had everything, he scored goals and the fans loved him. As a player, you always remember the players that give you the hardest time and Shaun was one of them. We certainly need a proven goal scorer but it is a position that is at present greatly in demand and while I am trawling the country for one, it seems that all the other clubs are as well".
"Obviously Jacky did a great job in midfield, he held the ball up so well and when he came off the bench the whole team raised their game. We need somebody like that, somebody with experience who can turn a game when things aren't going well. I have been playing with the idea of putting myself on the bench, I noticed last season that the reserves often raised their game when I came on and feel I could do the same job for the first team".
Is this season about consolidation or is promotion realistic?
"I don't want to use the word consolidate, I have always been a winner and I always give 100% and have assured the board that they can, if nothing else, always expect the same from my players and that is what the fans want to see. The board have told me they want a top five place and we will try to win every game. Wisbech is a big club and everyone believes in my ability, that makes things easier for me, I just hadn't realised how popular my appointment would be"
Do you feel you are well placed to bring the youth through?
"We have some excellent youngsters, several of which have huge potential and may one day be worth a fortune. Many of them still need blooding, but they will get there and they are a great asset to the club".
What's next?
"Lots of hard work, I expect to spend most of the next two weeks on the phone in my search for the right players for this club. I can't wait for the season to start and wish the first game was tomorrow".
From Our Company Secretary
It is now 63 years since Wisbech Town became a limited company, and during the past three and half years, shareholders have gratifyingly taken more interest in the club than ever before. Looking back through the annual meeting attendance book, I was surprised to find success on the field and interest in the AGM does not necessarily go hand in hand. After the second world war the club had a most successful side under the astute management of Bertshaw, but the minutes of the 1946 and 1947 only state the meetings were attended by 'various directors and shareholders'. After 2 seasons in the ECL the Fenmen made the jump into the midland League. A fine competition which spawned such present Football League sides as Peterborough United and Scarborough. The attendances at AGM's started at 41 and 32, but as the team began to struggle it dropped to 13 and 18 in 1956 and 1957 respectively. Then Oscar Hold arrived, (and who will ever forget his star-studded side?), and we finished runners-up to the Posh in the ML and unluckily lost 2-1 at Reading in the second round of the FA cup. Despite this, only 13 attended the AGM at the town hall! The Fenmen then switched to the Southern League, and during the 60s the average attendance was a mere 17. Things went from bad to worse in the 70's, the figure dropping to 14, (and all these quoted figures include directors and officials). The 80s sore 2 memorable FA Vase runs and the East Anglian Cup won, an average of 22 attending the meetings.
During the
early 90's attendances were 29, 20, 28 and 27, but then the clubs
fortunes slumped off the field until the new 'Board' took over at an
extraordinary share holders meeting in February 1996, when 75 people
packed into the social club. Since then attendances have been 69, 73
and this year 72. However, it should be borne in mind that since
February 1996 I have had the pleasure of issuing
45,308
shares - more than double the total for the proceeding 60 years.
These have been instrumental in providing the club with the capital
needed to bring about the dramatic improvement both on and off the
field and a return to Southern League football. So if you want to
help the club to go from strength to strength then become a
shareholder or increase your holding.
In a future feature, I will tell you about some of the amusing, unusual, dramatic happenings at AGM's during the last 50 years.
By Roger Green.
Focus on the Merit Cup
The Merit Cup is awarded to the Dr. Martens league side that scores the most goals in the season.
As well as a cup, the successful team are rewarded with £500 in prize money.
The current holders are Ilkeston Town, who finished runners-up in the Dr. Martens Midland Division last season.
Wisbech Town have never won the trophy while Merthyr Tydfil and Sittingbourne are the only two sides to have won it twice, Merthyr being the only side to successfully retain the title. The full role of honour is as follows:
1981/82 Wealdstone
1982/83
Fisher Athletic and Folkestone
1983/84
Willenhall Town
1984/85
Cheltenham Town
1985/86
Welling United and Bromsgrove Rovers
1986/87
Merthyr Tydfil
1987/88
Merthyr Tydfil
1988/89
Chelmsford City
1989/90
Halesowen Town
1990/91
Corby Town
1991/92
Solihill Borough
1992/93
Nuneaton Borough and Sittingbourne
1993/94
Rushden and Diamonds
1994/95
Ashford Town and Newport AFC
1995/96 Sittingbourne
1996/97 St.
Leonards Stamcroft
1997/98
Ilkeston Town
Questions To Barry Fry (Manager of Peterborough United).
Did You ever play at Fenland Park?
I played there during my Southern and non-league days with either Dunstable, Bedford or Stevenage.
When did you last visit Fenland Park?
I have taken a team there on several occasions, the last time being the start of last season, when one time Posh striker Jackie Gallagher played his testimonial for Wisbech.
What is your opinion of non-league football?
I am a great lover of non-league football at every level and encourage local sides all I can.
Have you done anything to promote non league football?
I send teams to play against local sides at every opportunity to give them encouragement, because I know how hard it is to make ends meet.