TRAFFORD FC are delighted to announce our first new signing of the 2023-24 season – ALLY BROWN!

Ally is well known to Trafford supporters having made 153 appearances for the club previously, scoring 13 goals, and was a vital member of our promotion winning team of 2013.

Best described as a “flying right back”, Ally re-joins us from Runcorn Linnets where he spent the last four years, playing 137 times and scoring five goals (two of which were against us!) It is wonderful to see Ally “back home” at Shawe View!

The man himself says of his move: “I’m so happy on returning to Trafford, a club where I have been a winner. This group of players excites me, the passion of the manager drives me, I believe together we can bring success for you the supporters & the whole community.”

Trafford Boss Danny Caldecott says: “I am absolutely delighted to bring Ally back to the club, in our opinion he has been the best right back in the league for the last 4/5 seasons. He brings a wealth of experience, a winners mentality, hunger, and all the attributes needed to compliment our system perfectly. Welcome back Ally Brown!”

Following their magnificent victory away at Prescot on Saturday, Danny Caldecott’s Trafford side return to the Home Estates Shawe View this Tuesday evening (31st January). Skelmersdale United are the visitors in what will be Trafford’s 25th game of the Northern Premier League season.
Kick off is 7.45pm; Gates open at 6pm; Admission is £9 for adults, £6 concessions, £2 Under-16’s; We take cash or card at all our outlets – turnstiles, licensed bar, can bar, AND tea/snack bar; Pre-booked tickets are available via Shocal:
https://www.shocal.org/business/shop?sid=34&Trafford%20FC
All adult Shocal tickets receive a free E-programme (paper copies at the stadium are £2).
Your support is massively appreciated, so please turn out again and back the team like you have been all season! See you there!

EXCLUSIVE: THE FIRST INTERVIEW WITH THE NEW TRAFFORD FC MANAGER – DANNY CALDECOTT!!!

Danny – First of all, huge congratulations on becoming Trafford FC manager. Obviously the news of Tom leaving was a shock to supporters but we are 100% behind the decision to appoint you. How quickly did the offer come about and did you have to think twice?

Thank you that means a lot.
I can honestly say nobody was more shocked than myself. The Gaffer called me round for a meeting and told me of his decision to step down which completely knocked me for 6, but after being with him and listening to his reasons I knew he was clear in his mind and I fully respected his decision. I’ve been lucky to have worked with Tom now for 5 years, known him a lot longer but never had as close a relationship as we do now on & off the pitch. He is his own man and that is something I hugely admire about him. As discussions advanced it was clear what he wanted for me & that was to have an opportunity to be the manager at TFC. So before I continue I just want to thank the Gaffer for allowing me firstly an opportunity to play for this brilliant football club, but secondly & most importantly the chance to work with him for TFC as it’s turned out to be an amazing 5 years. Thank you mate!
After that it all happened on the same day – Tom resigned & I had a call from the Chairman with the offer to step up and be the manager. Before John could even finish his sentence I was repeating “yes, yes yes” in my head! So no, I didn’t think twice! I accepted the opportunity straight away and now I cannot wait to get started!

From a fans perspective, we can see continuity with you taking over from Tom. You’ll obviously have your own ideas and be your own man, but would it be right to say you want to carry on the good work that Tom (and you) have done over the last few years?

Without a doubt, what the Gaffer has created with the help from the club, staff, players & most of all the supporters makes TFC such a special place. I am not for one minute saying the club has never been special but from when I first arrived to where we are now it feels like the whole club & community has moved forward together to each play their part in the current progress of TFC. My job is to try and build on that even more, keep the people happy and hopefully win some more silverware in the process.

In terms of your staff, have you thought about that yet in terms of an assistant and coaches etc? And what philosophy will a Trafford team under your management have?

I have already had conversations with all current staff members and I want to keep the current backroom team of Luke (as Number 2) Terry & Elli. I feel as a team we have only just got started. We are all relatively young, very hungry, hardworking, and aim to be the best we can be. As for philosophy, I will very much endeavour for the team to play with freedom, enjoyment and no fear. I want the lads to express themselves in whatever best form suits them in their given positions. All I demand is that when they walk onto that pitch they play for the shirt and give everything for everyone associated with TFC.

Lots of clubs are announcing signings and retentions on Twitter etc. When can we expect to see TFC doing the same? How far are you into contacting existing players and maybe sounding out new signings?

I see a lot of clubs announcing potential signings & good luck to them. From our perspective it’s difficult to announce anything at present due to the current climate. I think once we have a realistic date of returning & pre-season gets underway the club will look to make the necessary announcements. Early indications look positive from a lot of last season’s playing squad so we remain hopeful we can keep the majority of the group together. There will be a few moving to pastures new, as you always expect at this level, which is fine – They will go with a big thank you and the door firmly open in future. As for new signings, conversations are ongoing at very early stages, so for now we will have to sit tight and see how things unfold over the next few weeks. Announcing players is best delivered when we return properly as a club. Sorry for no immediate news, I know people would like to know where we are, but I can assure everyone that come the start of the new season, whenever that may be, TFC will have a group willing to give their all as we have over the last 5 years.

You came to Trafford in 2015 (Tom’s first season) solely as a player. Obviously you were in the twilight of your playing days – was the goal always to become part of the coaching staff and did you always have ambitions to manage?

Very much so, everywhere I played as a player I always took on a leadership role. I feel it’s naturally in me, and from the beginning of my time at Ashton United I knew it was the route I wanted to take. Playing under different managers you learn all the time. I was always one to go away and think about the whole picture rather than the specifics of my performances. When I asked Tom for a trial (haha! Honestly, I did ask to come down & see how things went) I obviously didn’t have any idea how things would develop from there. The Gaffer saw something in me and everything seemed to naturally progress from the moment I joined his team. Even when he offered me the original position as player/coach I was honest with him and openly stated that my ambition then was to one day hopefully get an opportunity to be a manager.

And now you’ve achieved that ambition and the hard work starts! John Eadie wrote on Twitter that he had a great Chairman/Manager relationship with Tom. Do you see the same partnership developing with you and John? It’s obviously one of the key things that helps the club be so well run and successful…?

I would like to think so, ever since coming to the club 5 years ago I have always got on great with John. He may say different in the early days due to my sense of humour in and around the place, haha! but I’ve always respected him. As time went on and my role developed in the management side of things, I observed just how well John & the gaffer bonded. It was crucial to the building of the club under Tom’s tenure and 100% I would love to replicate that. John is a very open and honest man, very similar to myself. I can only hope with these values it results in a long and successful relationship together.

Will you be registered as a player? Can we expect to see you putting in MotM performances reminiscent of the Manchester Cup Final against FC or are your playing days now officially over?

Haha I should hope not! That would mean the players we have aren’t quite good enough, if I’m selecting myself! No, all jokes aside I want to solely concentrate on managing now and my responsibilities towards TFC. I’ve had my time playing for Trafford and I am proud to have represented us, and many other great non-league clubs in Stalybridge, Ashton and Hyde to name a few, so I’m officially done.

Is there any chance of the Premier Cup Final being played? The season was abandoned and all results “expunged” but it’s a shame that a one-off cup final gets scrapped. It could be a great opener to the new season, whenever it starts, and the chance to kick off your reign by playing for a trophy would be brilliant….! Has it been discussed at all?

It’s a great question and I echo what a brilliant idea it would be but unfortunately I have no information to give. I think the best man to speak to regarding this is Foxy. I presume it has just been written off, but I can take it up with Graham and see what communications he’s had from Manchester FA, see if he can suggest it to them.

When do you think you’ll be able to start training? The FA are now allowing sessions where groups of 6 train together, socially distanced of course! Or is it too early just yet – wait for more relaxing of the rules?

We will start training when we have more of an idea of the leagues plans for the season to start. The last thing I want right now is for the players to start something with no idea of what the target date is, it simply isn’t fair. Elli has started to send the existing players some home routines to follow, but for now that is as far along as we are. I understand some clubs may view things differently but I’m trying to see things from a sensible perspective. I know how frustrating it is when you are working hard with no specific target date. At the minute that’s where we find ourselves.

Before we conclude, is there anything you want to say to the supporters going forward?

Firstly I would just like to say I appreciate all the messages and support I have had so far, it means a lot. Thank you. Secondly, please stay sensible, safe and in good health. We will need you all when we eventually get back to Shawe View and beyond! The way you have conducted yourselves & supported the team the last 5 years (and before) is admirable. Believe it or not it drives us all. Hopefully see you sometime soon when this crazy pandemic is safe for us to resume.

Final question – Would you prefer us to sing “Caldecott’s Trafford Army” or “D.C.’s Trafford Army” when we get back to it?!

Whatever you prefer, the support is all we need! How that comes I don’t mind at all!

Cheers DC for agreeing to do this pretty much on Day One in the job when there must be so much else to do! ALL supporters are right behind you Boss and we can’t wait to get back on it, supporting you and the Team! COME ON TRAFFORD!!!

Trafford took an early lead against Congleton at the AwayDayCare Shawe View stadium this afternoon (21st December) but the visitors shared the points in this Pitching-in Northern Premier League fixture with an equaliser just before half time. Dave Law’s match report will be published later this evening, so get the full story by logging in again later……

Those of you who viewed Karl Marginson’s post-match interview following the Widnes game on Saturday, will have heard The Boss announce that our goalkeeper Sam Booth has signed a contract with the Club. Not all players at this level are on contracts – it’s a big decision for both parties – but this is a clear indication that if we get the right player and the right deal, Trafford FC is prepared to make these kinds of commitments. Margy says of this signing:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Sam has accepted the offer to join us on contract. He’s been immense since joining us and it just so happens he’s a bloody good bloke as well! This signing shows the tremendous support the board have given us since taking over in October and it’s a statement of the commitment to the club’s growth from them. On behalf of all the staff I’d like to thank the board for this.”
There’s no doubt that Sam has produced some tremendous performances since making his debut on 25th November last year against Kidsgrove. We look forward to seeing him pulling off many more amazing saves in the green (or purple!) goalie jersey, starting with this Saturday’s home game versus 1874 Northwich!

Tom Baker has resigned as manager of Trafford Football Club.

35-year-old Baker has been in charge at Shawe View for five years and won the 2019 Integro League Cup.

When the 2019-20 season was curtailed due to the coronavirus in March, Trafford were in ninth place in the Northern Premier League North West Division and had reached the final of the Manchester Premier Cup.

Baker was appointed manager in the summer of 2015. The former midfielder had a distinguished playing career which included spells as captain of Chorley and Halifax. Trafford was his first managerial post after having to retire prematurely due to injury. Baker also led Trafford to the Play-offs in 2017/18 and a Manchester Premier Cup Final appearance the same season.

Baker has cited personal reasons for his departure. Everyone at the club sends their best wishes and huge thanks to Tom for his hard work and professionalism throughout his tenure, and for the success and memorable moments he has brought to the club. There will always be a warm welcome for him should he return to Shawe View at some point in the future.

The club has promoted from within and Baker’s assistant-manager Danny Caldecott has accepted the position of manager and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

12th June 2020

Ahead of our home game versus Witton Albion today, we have heard some very sad news overnight – the passing of one of our former managers, Mike Mckenzie.
Mike was manager of Trafford FC from just after Christmas 2002 until the mid-point of the following season, 2003-04.
As a player he had a distinguished career in local football as a midfielder. After retiring from playing, Mike’s managerial career took off at the amateur side Astro FC in the late 1980’s. Astro swept all before them at Sunday League level, winning many honours in their league and beyond. This success led to Mike being given the job at Winsford United in the Unibond NPL 1st Division. After leading Winsford to promotion to the NPL Premier Division, Mike took on the Hyde United job in 1994 (following a short spell at Witton Albion) and after spending seven years in charge at Ewen Fields, Mike could count three Manchester Premier Cups, a Cheshire Cup, an NPL Cup, and a Peter Swales Shield amongst his trophies. Hyde also reached the 1st round proper of the FA Cup, and two FA Trophy semi-finals under his leadership.
After leaving Hyde in 2001, McKenzie was handed the Trafford job at a difficult time for the club. Struggling on and off the pitch, it was a transitional period for the club and a difficult job for anyone to walk into. Mike departed Shawe View after just under a year in the hot seat. There was no doubting however, his hard work and commitment to trying to turn things round.
Mckenzie later returned to being in charge of an all-conquering amateur side: Moss Side FC, who won the Manchester Sunday League for ten successive years whilst picking up a number of NW Sunday Champions League titles. Alongside this, his work in coaching young players and inspiring young people in his community, has been exemplary for many years.
It is with great sadness that we learn of his passing, and the Club sends its condolences to Mike’s family and friends.
(Picture from Hyde United FC)

We now know our fixture list for the new campaign! The NPL West Division is where Trafford will compete with 19 other clubs this coming season. Danny Caldecott’s squad kick off 2022-23 away at Skelmersdale on Saturday 13th August. Our first home game is three days later – Tuesday 16th versus Colne.

The long trip to Workington happens on a Tuesday night 23rd August, while Saturday November 12th sees full-time professional club Macclesfield visit Shawe View for a game that’s highly likely to see our record attendance figure surpassed.

The Christmas and New Year period sees us travel to Ramsbottom United on Boxing Day, whilst 2nd January brings Glossop North End to the Home Estates Shawe View. For the Easter weekend, Trafford travel to Bootle on Easter Saturday April 8th, then two days later on Easter Monday (10th April) Rammy are the visitors to our home.

The final game of the season is on Saturday April 22nd when we entertain Runcorn Linnets.

The full fixture list is below; Please note that cup games are also shown including potential further fixtures should we progress through the rounds, all the way to the FA Cup and FA Trophy finals! All fixtures are of course subject to change depending on cup competitions.

For up-to-the-minute news, follow us on Twitter @FCTrafford and also on Facebook.

TRAFFORD – Pitching In Northern Premier League – West
Sat Aug 13 Skelmersdale United A
Tue Aug 16 Colne H
Sat Aug 20 Emirates FA Cup Prelim
Tue Aug 23 Workington A
Sat Aug 27 Bootle H
Mon Aug 29 Glossop North End A
Sat Sep 3 Emirates FA Cup 1Q
Tue Sep 6 Mossley H
Sat Sep 10 Isuzu FA Trophy 1Q
Tue Sep 13 Clitheroe A
Sat Sep 17 Kidsgrove Athletic H [Emirates FA Cup 2Q]
Sat Sep 24 Isuzu FA Trophy 2Q
Sat Oct 1 City Of Liverpool FC A [Emirates FA Cup 3Q]
Sat Oct 8 Leek Town H [Isuzu FA Trophy 3Q]
Sat Oct 15 1874 Northwich A [Emirates FA Cup 4Q]
Sat Oct 22 Widnes A
Sat Oct 29 Witton Albion H [Isuzu FA Trophy 1]
Sat Nov 5 Hanley Town A [Emirates FA Cup 1]
Sat Nov 12 Macclesfield H
Sat Nov 19 Runcorn Linnets A [Isuzu FA Trophy 2]
Sat Nov 26 Newcastle Town H [Emirates FA Cup 2]
Sat Dec 3 Prescot Cables H
Sat Dec 10 Kidsgrove Athletic A
Sat Dec 17 Skelmersdale United H [Isuzu FA Trophy 3]
Mon Dec 26 Ramsbottom United A
Mon Jan 2 Glossop North End H
Sat Jan 7 Colne A [Emirates FA Cup 3]
Sat Jan 14 Workington H [Isuzu FA Trophy 4]
Sat Jan 21 Clitheroe H
Sat Jan 28 Prescot Cables A [Emirates FA Cup 4]
Sat Feb 4 City Of Liverpool FC H
Tue Feb 7 Mossley A
Sat Feb 11 Isuzu FA Trophy 5
Sat Feb 18 1874 Northwich H
Sat Feb 25 Leek Town A
Wed Mar 1 Emirates FA Cup 5
Sat Mar 4 Widnes H
Sat Mar 11 Isuzu FA Trophy 6
Sat Mar 18 Witton Albion A [Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final]
Sat Mar 25 Hanley Town H
Sat Apr 1 Macclesfield A [Isuzu FA Trophy Semi-Final]
Sat Apr 8 Bootle A
Mon Apr 10 Ramsbottom United H
Sat Apr 15 Newcastle Town A
Sat Apr 22 Runcorn Linnets H [Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final]
Sun May 21 Isuzu FA Trophy Final
Sat Jun 3 Emirates FA Cup Final

TRAFFORD FC’s Christmas party last Friday (December 16th) turned into full-on Festive fun as around 140 people danced the night away at The John Alker Club in Flixton.

A minor disaster was averted when the Football Club was able to provide hundreds of plastic drinks glasses, thus averting the impossibility of running an event with a broken glasswashing machine! The show MUST go on as they say!

The Fraudsters – Manchester’s finest indie/Britpop tribute band played 2 x 1-hour sets, the highlight being a magnificent rendition of Amy Winehouse’s Valerie by one of our Tea Bar volunteers! Aside from this, the band, featuring TFC Committee Member “Burkey” on drums, blasted out countless hits from the likes of James, The Smiths, The Killers, Blondie, The Stone Roses, The Jam, Jackie Wilson, The Beatles, and Duran Duran.

Also on stage, two other members of TFC’s volunteer team – Muggsy and Browny – hosted a thrilling and funny game of Stand-Up Bingo, plus an auction that raised £340 for club funds.

Everyone had a great night – Thank you to the John Alker staff for working so hard to fill those plastic glasses (!) thank you to The Fraudsters, and thank you to ALL of you who attended, filled the dancefloor all night, and helped make a bit of money towards our wonderful little community club. See you soon!

TRAFFORD slipped to defeat at Bootle this afternoon, in their penultimate Pitching-In NPL away league fixture. A disappointing performance was summed up by manager Danny Caldecott when asked by our reporter Stephen Marsden what happened, the Boss replied “Nothing happened – that’s why we got beat 2-0”. The team failed to get going, and Caldecott’s full post match analysis/interview will be published on our Trafford TV You Tube channel in the next day or two. Dave Law’s match report can be found here.

Suffice to say it was a proverbial bad day at the office for the Yellows, where they spent much of the game struggling to get their passing game running as smoothly as we know it can.
There’s an excellent chance to make amends however this bank holiday Monday when Trafford entertain Ramsbottom United at the Home Estates Shawe View, kick off 3pm.