CLUB DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAMME EDITORS--PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THE FOLLOWING

Any further information can be obtained from

Chris Ryde, 2 Railway Terrace, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 7AW Tel: 01298 79714

BLACKWELL MINERS WELFARE FOOTBALL CLUB

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CLUB

Blackwell receives an entry in the Doomsday book of 1085 showing that there was a Lord of the manor, 13 Villeins, 4 Bordars with ploughs, 7 acres of meadow, 1 wood and 1 priest with bordar. Whether the villeins were the first football team in the village was not recorded. The meaning of Blackwell is attributed to a 'Dark Spring' and is believed to be a spring on the hill known as 'Sinai' opposite the church. As coal deposits are close to the surface in that area it may well be they coloured the water to a dark appearance.

The community was served by the mining industry throughout the 1800's. The community expanded around this time and records from the Derbyshire Times show that organised football took place in the village even around this era. Without the distractions of television, sport was a major interest for all the villagers. In 1900 the present sports ground was opened and Rugby and cricket was played. Football matches tended to be played on other pitches in the village. The cricket ground has staged many important games during its history & holds the world record for the 9th wicket stand, 283 Derbyshire v Warwickshire in 1910. The village produced many good 'home-grown' teams and everyone turned out to see family, friends and work-mates in action. One record from a treasurers account showed an entry for one game of £40 gate money @ sixpence each, equating to 1600 paying customers. Teams around the early to middle of the century competed in the Ripley and District leagues.

In the early 50's the team moved to the Notts. Alliance and enjoyed instant success when they finished runners-up to a very strong Gedling Colliery side who dominated local football at that time. The following 2 seasons saw them finish 3rd and in 1954/55 the team won the Notts Alliance Championship and finished runners-up to Boots Athletic in the Senior Cup, losing 6-3 in front of 6,000 people at Meadow Lane. They returned to the Ripley league in the late 50's and then had a brief spell in the East Midlands League before joining the Sutton & Skegby League in the early 60's. During that time they enjoyed more success, winning the Stamper Cup. The club disbanded in 1972 but reformed in 1974 winning the Sutton & Skegby Division 'C' title followed by Section 'A' runners-up in 1975/76 & 82/83, Premier division runners-up in 1977-78. Section 'A' Cup was won in 1976/77 and this year began the return of the clubs proud record in Derbyshire County F.A. competitions. The Junior Cup just eluded them that season but it was returned in 1978/83/84, with the Divisional Cup being won in 1986.

In 1984-85 the club moved into the Central Midlands Football League and became Senior division champions and Cup winners. The club continued to occupy the top half of the tables during the late 80's, but in the 1990's the club struggled at the wrong end of the table, finishing bottom or second bottom on 3 occasions. Despite this downfall in circumstances the club kept going and at the beginning of 1998, the present committee came together to try to revive the fortunes of the club. In season 1998-99 the club achieved fifth spot and were offered the opportunity to play in the Supreme division for the first time. This offer was accepted and although the club finish bottom in the 1999/2000 season they retained Supreme status. In 2000/01 they finished next bottom and were relegated.

Despite this set back the club remained positive and a new manager was installed for season 2001-2002. Trevor Hammond, previously at Shardlow St. James took the helm, and with floodlights installed during the season, promotion back to the Supreme division was achieved with the club also enjoying excellent runs in the cup competitions, bowing out to Shirebrook Town in the Floodlit semi-finals. In 2002/3 they played in the FA Vase for the 1st time and enjoyed more cup success, getting to the league cup semi-final before bowing out to Dunkirk after extra time. However the club finished 2nd bottom but were saved from relegation.

Graham Brentnall returned to the manager's chair to try and keep the clubs Supreme status with a very young squad of mainly local players. Kevin Jackson and Ben Calpin took charge in 2005 and guided the club to their best ever position of 17th in the Supreme and hopes are high that the club can improve on that in 2005/6. That improvement was achieved with our best ever position of 11th. For the record at the start of the clubs 23rd CMFL season in 06/07 the club had played 730 league games which is more than any other club has achieved. The club opened a Web site in November 2000 & now all our news can be read on the Internet www.blackwellmwfc.org.uk

10 FACTS ABOUT BLACKWELL FOOTBALL AND CRICKET CLUBS

1 The ground was built by the Blackwell Mining Company at the end of the 18th century for use by the closely knit mining community of the day.

2 The ground is surrounded by a 6 foot high wall constructed from bricks produced from the mining companies own brick yard. At the Primrose Hill end of the ground the playing surface is some 8 feet above the road level and it is believed that tonnes of ash was used to level up the ground, hence the excellent drainage.

3 The clubs present changing facilities are on the ground in what the locals have always called 'The Rifle Range'. The building was erected in 1908 according to the date stone that stands above the main entrance. It must be assumed that the building would have been used by the local army etc. for rifle practise, hence the name. Since its erection the building has undergone many changes and modifications with changing rooms, showers, tea bar, guest room, toilets & gymnasium being installed.

4 The main use-age of the ground in the late 1800's and early 1900's was by the Rugby club, who played at a very high standard with fixture cards showing games against for 3 teams and the use of the ground for County fixtures.

5 The football club used the 'Brigade Hall' for its changing facilities up to the late 1960's. This building stands adjacent to the present entrance gate on Colliery Road and was used by the local 'Home Guard' for their activities, Percy Topliss, the infamous monocled mutineer would have frequented the building. The building became a night club in the 1970's and is now 'The Cottage Inn' restaurant, but still has the old stone bathes that were used by the teams after games.

6 The field had a cricket pavilion that was erected circa 1900 but was finally demolished in the 1960's. The pavilion was situated in the corner of the ground adjacent to the double gates on the ground.

7 Primrose Hill was the venue for Derbyshire County cricket matches and between 18th to 21st June 1910 the world record for a ninth wicket stand was set up between Warren and Chapman when they scored 283 in the second innings to force a draw in Derbyshire's game against Warwickshire.

8 In the days of limited entertainment, the villagers all turned out to watch the team play & one record from a treasurers account showed an entry for one game of £40 gate money, which @ sixpence each, equated to 1600 paying customers.

9 The football club is probably the oldest registered club in Derbyshire with records showing that they affiliated to the Derbyshire County Football Association in 1890. In 1910-11 Blackwell almost reached the competition proper of the FA Cup, disposing of Ashbourne, Long Eaton, South Normanton and Clay Cross in qualifying rounds. They then travelled to Mansfield in the next round and created a minor sensation by winning 1-0. The run came to an end in the fourth qualifying, as they lost 1-6 to the powerful Darlington side (who went on to beat the mighty Sheffield United in Round One!)

10 The football club are the longest serving members of the Central Midlands League having joined in 1984 and at the start of their 22nd season they had played 692 games. On joining this league, the ground needed massive ground improvements, with safety barriers, hard standing areas, spectators covered stands, seating, dug outs, public address systems, multi sex toilets and in October 2001, floodlights all being installed to meet the requirements of the leagues ground grading standards.

PLAYERS PROFILES 2007--8

RICHARD GROVES Midfield/Attack (19). Another youngster who joined last season and whom we have high regard for. Joined from Heanor he has impressed with his speed and trickery and will create chances for the team. Has proved to be lethal in front of goal and is surprisingly good in the air for a small guy.

RICHARD WALL Defender (22) Richard was an important signing last season and should his qualities in defence. It was a major blow when he was injured in October but he returned after Xmas and slotted back in as though never away. Now qualified as a teacher we look forward to more outstanding performances from him again. Reads the game well, is quick to cover and organises those around him. Previously at Borrowash and Heanor T

RICHARD PARKER Goalkeeper (26) 'Casper' is now labelled as one of the senior players in the squad and he undoubted ably brings out the best out of the players in front of him. Lots of 'rattle' but always channelled in the right direction. Great qualities in the goalkeeping field, great stopper and talks a good game to those in front of him.

MARK DEAKIN Attacker (28) What can you say about Mark, been with the club 3 seasons and during that time has scored 70 goals in 102 appearances. Certainly knows where the back of the net is and commands great respect from not only players at our club, but from clubs and officials around the league.

CRAIG RODGERS Goalkeeper (26) Craig has had a stuttering career at this club, having moved away on several occasions, but he always seems to come back to us. Great stopper, good in the air and over the years has got better and better. Will be pushing hard this season to be number one, which is only good for the club, competition for places

WES BRAMLEY Defender (20) Wes will be looking to progress his career with us this season and show he is worthy of the step up. Has undoubted skills and will prove to be a good defender if he continues to work hard at his game.

DEAN BRAMLEY Forward (17) Dean is another one of our highly thought off youngsters who enjoyed several starts in the senior side last season. With his increased physical strength we hope to see him blossom in the near future. Knows were the back of the net is and will continue to learn.

DANNY PAYANDEH Midfield (21) Danny joined last season and when given the chance took it with both hands, Plays wide right and is very quick. We will however be looking for more consistency from him this season and hoping he can increase his goal scoring record.

TOM BATES Wide Midfield / Defender (22) Although small in stature, Tom has shown in performances for us that he can hold his own with the big boys. Pacy player who will work his socks off and if not provided a pass put his foot in to stop one. Will be another looking to command a 1st team spot

STEVE GARRARD Defender (21) Steve has got to be our most consistent player at the club, clocking over 200 games. Terrific defender and competitor, plays through the pain barrier at times when he shouldn't but that shows the commitment of the lad. Grounding at Chesterfield and is a solid member to the back four.

BEN WILLIAMS Defender (23) Ben missed most of last season due to an injured foot but when he returned he made it difficult for the management to leave him out of the team. Strong, physical player who tackles well and manages to break up play in all areas. Gives 100% to the team on all occasions, best employed as a centre back but will also work his socks off in midfield.

AARON GORDON Wide Midfield (18) Local youngster who enjoyed several starts last season and proved to be a valuable part of the squad. Has been utilised wide on the right and has shown an appetite to work hard for the team and scored his first goal against Clipstone last season with the stature of a veteran

MATT HERRETT Defender (20) Last seasons reserve player of the year, but would have been in the senior side if not for a injury mid term and the form of Wall and George. On the verge of senior football and when fit will be hard to keep out of the team. Quick, reads the game well and tackles clean as a whistle.

MICHAEL NOVAK Defender (24) Mike showed again last season what an outstanding defender he was and also enjoyed a variety of different position when called upon. He will however be looking to improve on those performances. Solid and reliable in defence and is always willing to break forward to build the attacks.

STEPHEN SPENSLEY Midfield (31) Team Captain SPENER is our play maker in the centre of the park and will always be looking to attack the opposition. Strong competitive midfielder who will give us the strength in the middle to go along side Kierran. Previous club Alfreton Athletic.

WAYNE HOPE Attack (32). Wayne has been at the club for about three seasons now and has only a handful of games at senior level under his belt, but this season he has taken his chance and been a revelation up front. Will battle hard for you, chasing down lost causes.

RICHARD KEW Wide Midfield (22) Much will be expected from Richard this season who after impressing last season seemed to go off the boil towards the end of last season. That was mainly due to injuries but we hope that when fully fit he can provide the ammunition for the front men. Likes running at players and is quick, scored a few so far but can also be employed in a variety of positions.

JORDAN GREGORY Defender (18) Jordan enjoyed a great first season with us and last year tried his luck at Arnold Town before moving back late last year. Has undoubted qualities in all sides of the game, keen to learn and will be a great asset to who ever he plays for. Can play in a variety of position but we think his best position is as sweeper.

JOE PARKER Striker (19) Latest signing to the club, local lad who will link up well with Deakin and score lots of goals. Quick, exciting and strong. Will frighten defences to death with his direct style of play.

JOHN HARRIS Midfield/Defender (20) Seems to have been at the club for ages, but after getting into the team at 16 his appearances have become limited. Has now become stronger physically and we hope to see his name on the team sheet more often. Great left foot and works hard either in midfield or down the left flank.

SAM HARRIS Wide left (17) Made his senior appearance in the last game of 2006/7 and with his increasing physical strength to go with his tremendous skill will be looking to become a major player in the team for years to come. Probably the most skilful player on the books and if his attitude is right will be a major thorn to oppositions & a match winner for us.

KEVIN JACKSON Manager Kevin was promoted to the first team managers position in 2005 and along with Ben steered us away from relegation and then took the club to its highest positions in seasons 2005/6 & 6/7. Keen to use youth in the team and is hoping for further improvements this time. Good grounding at Heanor and Swanwick.

BEN CALPIN Assistant Manager (26) For one so young, Ben knows plenty of good players and will be using his contacts to bolster the first team squad. Promoted from the reserves to assist Kevin and is enjoying the new challenge put in front of him.