Competition: Manchester Premier Cup

Ryan Brooke

Ryan Brooke joined Trafford with an outstanding reputation after leaving Runcorn Linnets as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, having scored 83 goals in 200 appearances. Described by manager Tom Baker as “a coup for the football club”, Ryan arrived with the pedigree and experience expected of a proven number nine.

He has wasted little time making his mark at Shawe View, scoring on his league debut and taking his tally to one goal in his opening three competitive appearances. Strong, intelligent and clinical in front of goal, Ryan combines excellent hold-up play with the movement and finishing ability that have made him one of the region’s most respected non-league strikers. As Trafford’s leading centre-forward, he will be central to the club’s ambitions of challenging for promotion throughout the 2026/27 season.

Callum Grogan

Callum Grogan joined Trafford ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, adding valuable experience and leadership to the defensive unit. Comfortable playing at the heart of the defence, Callum arrived with an impressive reputation built over several seasons in non-league football and made his competitive debut for the club in the Emirates FA Cup.

An aggressive but composed defender, Callum excels in aerial duels and enjoys organising the back line. His calmness in possession also allows Trafford to play progressively from defence, fitting perfectly with Tom Baker’s preferred style of football. As one of several experienced additions to the squad, Callum’s influence extends beyond his performances on the pitch, helping younger teammates develop while bringing valuable know-how to the dressing room.

Lewis Jacklin

Lewis Jacklin arrived at Shawe View after impressing Tom Baker with his pace, athleticism and defensive qualities. Since joining Trafford he has already featured twice in competitive action, quickly demonstrating why the club worked hard to secure his signature.

A modern attacking full-back, Lewis enjoys supporting attacks without compromising his defensive responsibilities. His recovery pace, energy and willingness to get forward make him an exciting player to watch, while his determination and work ethic have helped him settle quickly into the squad. Still early in his Trafford career, Lewis has shown plenty of promise and will be looking to establish himself as a regular starter as the season progresses.

David Worrall

David Worrall arrived at Trafford with one of the most impressive playing CVs in the club’s history. After a distinguished professional career spanning more than 600 senior appearances, including promotions with Millwall and Port Vale, David chose Shawe View as the next chapter of his career, bringing outstanding quality and experience to Tom Baker’s squad.

Comfortable across several midfield and attacking positions, David combines exceptional technical ability with calm decision-making and an outstanding football brain. Having featured in all three of Trafford’s competitive fixtures to date, he has quickly demonstrated why he has been so highly regarded throughout his career. His professionalism and leadership also make him an invaluable mentor to younger players, helping to raise standards across the club both on and off the pitch.

Moses Yoak

One of Trafford’s summer recruits, Moses Yoak joined the club from Abbey Hey after an award-winning campaign in which he impressed across several positions. Having previously worked with First Team Coach Simon Heaton, Moses was identified as a priority signing thanks to his athleticism, versatility and desire to be part of Trafford’s future.

Equally comfortable at centre-back or in midfield, Moses brings mobility, composure and excellent technical ability to the squad. He has already featured in Trafford’s opening league fixtures and continues to settle quickly into his new surroundings. His ability to break up attacks before driving forward with the ball gives the management team valuable tactical flexibility. At an age where his best years remain ahead of him, Moses has all the attributes to become a major player for Trafford in the seasons to come.

Luke Sephton

Luke Sephton arrived at Trafford following an outstanding season with Ramsbottom United, where he made 46 appearances and scored 16 goals as the club reached the North West Counties Premier Division play-offs. His impressive record convinced Tom Baker to bring the talented attacker to Shawe View ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or across the front line, Luke combines creativity, intelligent movement and an excellent eye for goal. He has featured in all three of Trafford’s competitive fixtures so far and continues to settle quickly into his new surroundings. Supporters will be hoping his proven ability to both score and create goals can play a major role as Trafford push towards the top end of the table this season.

Kyle Worsley

Kyle Worsley continues to excite Trafford supporters with his pace, creativity and attacking quality. Having already represented the club 15 times, scoring three goals, Kyle has started the new season in impressive fashion with a goal during his opening three competitive appearances.

Capable of operating from either flank or in a more advanced central role, Kyle’s direct running and willingness to take on defenders make him a constant threat. He combines flair with an outstanding work ethic and is always prepared to contribute defensively when required. As Trafford continue to develop an exciting attacking style under Tom Baker, Kyle’s ability to create and score goals will remain a key part of the club’s ambitions throughout the 2026/27 season.

Bile Ahmed

Bile remains an important part of Trafford’s plans after committing to the club for the 2026/27 season following relegation from the Northern Premier League West Division. Retained by manager Tom Baker as part of the club’s rebuilding programme, Ahmed offers creativity, technical quality and versatility across the attacking midfield positions.

A confident player in possession, Ahmed enjoys receiving the ball in tight areas and linking play between midfield and attack. His ability to unlock defences with intelligent passing and positive movement gives Trafford another creative outlet, while his willingness to work hard without the ball fits perfectly with the team’s style of play. Having already made his first competitive appearance of the new campaign in the Emirates FA Cup, Ahmed will be looking to build on his 33 appearances and two goals for the club as he continues to establish himself as an influential member of the first-team squad.

Ashton United vs Trafford FC

Trafford’s season of woe continued on Tuesday night when they were beaten on sudden death penalties at Ashton United in their Manchester Premier Cup Second Round Tie.

Tom Baker’s side played some superb football but just lacked that final pass with Brad Byrne firing over from the left and Prosper Imar seeing his header tipped over by Jordan Eastham in a defence dominated first half.

Ashton centre back Dylan Cogill headed a right wing corner just over in the 50th minute and substitute Darius Osei cut inside Jack Higginbottom shortly afterwards but was denied by a fine reflex save by Sam Booth.

A dipping free kick by Trafford midfielder Taylor Dyson in the 78th minute was held by Eastham and, as the hosts pushed forward in the closing stages, Sam Booth performed heroics once more to thwart Osei from point blank range.

With the score standing at 0-0 after ninety minutes, the game went straight to penalties and Trafford made the perfect start when Sam Booth saved brilliantly from Sean Newton and Alex Byrne.

However, they then squandered two golden opportunities to win the tie when Isaac Noble and Prosper Imar saw their spot kicks saved and when the penalties went to ‘sudden death’ Lee Rick had the misfortune to see Jordan Eastham throw himself to his right to parry the shot.

Despite this defeat, Tom Baker’s side emerged from the game with great credit as they played the neater, more creative football, and they can approach Saturday’s vital league match at home to Witton Albion with renewed confidence as they strive to move off the bottom of the NPL West Division table.

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