TRAFFORD’s home game v Workington this Saturday (14th January) resulted in a narrow 1-2 defeat. The home side’s endeavour and workrate was high level as always, but little mistakes and rubs-of-the-green against us meant zero points this time. Dave Law’s match report will be published in the next few hours to give you the full story……….

Trafford were victorious this Friday evening, winning 2-1 away at Albion Sports, a NE Counties League side from Bradford, Yorkshire. Goals from the two Matty’s – Lusakueno and Morgan – gave Trafford a 2-0 half time lead. The Whites held on during a late rally from the hosts, who scored a consolation penalty, the 2-1 victory enough to see Karl Marginson’s team through to the next round. Look out for Lawman’s full match report coming soon……..

Before the season starts, let’s bring you up to date with some player movements: As you all know, we are very proud of the Trafford FC Youth section, set up in 2016 under the leadership of Steve Tobin and others. Steve and his assistant Rob Williams took a team right the way through junior football to become Trafford FC’s Under 18’s between 2021 and 2023. Some of those boys have now moved on to other stages of their careers – at other clubs, at Universities, on scholarships at home or abroad, or into our new U21’s team. Three lads who made inroads into the first team squad over the last two seasons have gone on season-long loans to North West Counties League sides as follows:

– Goalkeeper NIALL JORDAN has joined Chadderton FC.

– Defender MACKENA BRADSHAW has gone to New Mills.

– Striker HARRISON BICKERTON has linked up with the newly re-formed Droylsden FC.

All three made their debuts last weekend as the Counties League kicked off. Bickerton and Jordan were both in their respective starting XI’s, and featured in victories for their teams. Bradshaw came off the bench for New Mills but sadly they suffered a defeat.

Our manager Danny Caldecott has this to say about the trio: “All three of these young men have the potential to come back and establish themselves in Trafford’s first team, but the stage where they’re at now demands regular first team football – this is invaluable to their development. I’ve spoken with them individually and outlined what our expectations are, and I’m confident these lads can go and achieve what they need to continue their journeys so far. You don’t get anywhere in life being comfortable – these boys have accepted that and are putting themselves through the unknown to grow as people and players. Couldn’t be more proud – that’s me, the coaching staff, and the players. Good luck!”

We will of course be keeping an eye on their progress throughout the season!

Trafford were back on it today with a 3-1 away victory at Wythenshawe Town. Damola Sotona was the hero with two goals, but outstanding performances from everyone in the squad were the foundation upon which the win was built.
Karl Marginson’s team are up to 6th in the Pitching-In NPL West table, and look forward to entertaining Newcastle Town this Saturday kick off 1.30pm.
Dave Law’s match report on today’s victory is, as always, coming soon………..
(pic of Damola scoring his first goal, by Luke Broadhurst of TFC Media Team)

UPDATE ON GRAHAM “FOXXY” FOXALL.
Our very own Adrian Halliwell is acting as a contact between the club and Graham’s family at this difficult time. Adrian has had an update from Graham’s daughter as follows: He had a comfortable night but his speech is still slurred and has no movement of the right side of his body. It has been confirmed that Foxxy suffered a stroke during our Boxing Day game at Avro FC (which was ultimately abandoned because of thick fog).
As a club we would like to thank all the Medical staff of Avro FC, Avro’s Physio Kristina, our own Paul Roberts and Bailey Brown’s mum. Massive thanks to Dr Shadman Zaman who certainly helped a great deal. Our thoughts are with Graham and his family and everyone sends them their best wishes, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

A thousand football fans took advantage of Trafford FC’s free admission match against Bootle on Saturday 2 September.

Helped by weather we’d been hoping for all summer, a carnival atmosphere was enjoyed at Shawe View Stadium.

Only the result wasn’t on Trafford’s side. Despite good application from Danny Caldecott’s younger players, and occasional flashes of Rob Worrall’s brilliance from last season, the Merseyside visitors proved worthy 1-0 winners.

Pete McGrath, the voice of Shawe View and a Trafford FC director said: “Today has been a great advert for non-league football. Many of the people we’ve spoken to had never even knew of our existence, let alone not come to a match.

“This was exactly what we wanted to achieve. We were so proud to welcome so many newcomers to our loving community, as well as our guests from Bootle who, as ever, did their club great credit.”

With the summer holidays coming to an end, and the cost-of-living crisis persisting, entire families came for free and enjoyed Trafford’s facilities including a licensed bar, can bar, as well as hot and cold food and drink.

A raffle provided half time fun and £180 was raised for Trafford Veterans, the chosen charity for the bucket collection.

A final gate of 1,011 was recorded – comfortably twice Trafford’s average home attendance.

Pete McGrath continued: “We hope we put on a good show today – it would be a boost for our club if the legacy of today is more fans. Coming to Trafford could be the perfect day activity for a Manchester stag or hen do, and it’s always a chance to meet your friends, at 3pm every other Saturday.”

(Image courtesy of Mr Kevin Waddle)

Trafford FC today (Saturday 12th March) showed its support for Ukraine in its struggle against an unnecessary and devastating invasion by the Russian Federation. As is the case across the whole of football, the blue and yellow national colours of Ukraine have been flying at Shawe View in support of the Ukrainian people. Our players gathered behind the flag prior to the game with Kidsgrove Athletic (who’s travelling supporters got into the spirit too – as can be seen from our pictures); With us today were volunteers from the M41 Ukraine Appeal, led by Peter Killick, collecting donations for the British Red Cross’s efforts to help those poor civilians uprooted by the outrageous actions of Putin and his fellow bullies. Just short of £400 was collected for the appeal – thank you so much everyone for your generosity, and thank you to our Trafford FC Youth section U9’s who went round at half time with the buckets!

TRAFFORD FC is delighted to announce our third signing of the summer, young goalkeeper BRAD ROSE!!!

Brad came through Salford City’s youth system before joining NPL Premier Division side Radcliffe FC just over a year ago. He’s arrived at Shawe View on a season-long loan, subject to FA approval.

Brad says of his move “I’m looking forward to big things happening – making progress under Danny Caldecott and his coaching staff, and making a contribution to the team this coming season”

Trafford Boss Danny Caldecott says: “After meeting Brad it was clear he is everything we wanted to progress as a team this season. His attitude and enthusiasm to learning and developing was infectious. He has some outstanding attributes and we are delighted Radcliffe have trusted us with the next steps of his career. We now have two very talented young keepers whom will be huge contributors this season. Welcome Brad!”

You can see Brad, our other signings, and the entire squad in action again in just two weeks this Saturday, when our first pre-season friendly takes place at Shawe View versus Curzon Ashton, Saturday 8th July, kick off 3pm!

Trafford FC are delighted to announce that former Manchester United Goalkeeper Nick Culkin has agreed to join the back room staff at Shawe View. The move was prompted by Paul Chapman’s decision to leave the club for pastures new. Nick will take over as the Club’s goalkeeper coach, a role that he held with great success at FC United under the current Trafford boss Karl Marginson. Margy said:

“Firstly I’d like to thank Chappy for his honesty about the desire to coach his remaining time in the game at another club and I wish him the very best of luck wherever that may be. I’ve known Chappy for many years and we’ve shared lots of successes together. He’s a great lad and I’m sure everyone at the club wishes him well. Nick’s appointment shows our commitment to being the best we can be at all levels of the club. His playing and coaching experience and expertise will only benefit the young goalkeepers who are currently at the club. Nick spent 6 years as a young goalie himself training day in day out with arguably the greatest goalkeeper of all time in Peter Schmeichel, and after moving on he had an excellent playing career before injury forced him into non-league. I’ve known Nick for a number of years now and his honesty, integrity and humility will contribute positively to an already excellent staff, and I’m buzzing that he’s accepted the role”

Meanwhile, centre back Will Hall and full back Jack Sloan have left the club, both deciding to join fellow Northern Premier League West clubs Clitheroe and Avro respectively. Margy continued:

“Although I was disappointed that Will and Jack have made the decision to move, I totally understand and respect their reasons, and I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying good luck at their new clubs. Whenever a manager leaves a job at this level there’s a feeding frenzy from clubs who are looking to benefit from the uncertainty that the situation causes. I’ve spoken to all the players and asked them to give me and the staff the opportunity to show them that we’ll be taking the football club in the right direction, and as long as they can demonstrate the correct attitudes and behaviours, then they can be part of a culture of honesty and trust where personal development, hard-work and respect will be rewarded with success both on the pitch and also in their own personal lives. We don’t need anybody who doesn’t want to be here, we need people who are committed to being the best they can be.”

Trafford’s 6-game winning run came to an end this evening (Tuesday 24th September) at Clitheroe when Margy’s team slipped to a 3-1 defeat in the NPL West Division.
Harry Norris put Trafford ahead with a header on 17 minutes (see picture) but the hosts levelled before half time when Trafford keeper Sam Booth saved a penalty, but the rebound was scored.
Two late goals for Clitheroe sealed the points for them – Dave Law’s match report will be published soon, so keep logging onto traffordfc.com!