Teams

1874 are delighted to announce the signing of striker Ash Woods.

Ash joins the club with a wealth of experience at this level playing previously for clubs such as Atherton Collieries, Trafford, Colwyn Bay and West Didsbury and Chorlton.

Earlier this week we caught up with Ash to discuss his move to the club.

When speaking to Ash, it was clear that one of the key factors for him joining the club was playing in front of a “great fanbase.”

“Obviously the club has a great fanbase home and away which is always important as a player. When I’ve played against the club previously, they’ve always been difficult games due to the great atmosphere the fans create. The clubs local to me and I can’t wait to get started.”

A natural goal scorer himself, Ash told me he hopes he can add to the talent and depth in our squad already.

“I followed last season and the success the club had, and it’s clear I’m coming into a very talented squad. Whilst I don’t know many of them personally, I hope I can add something new to the team and help win games.”

“I’ve been in the game for a while now and experience is one of those I have built into my game. It’s knowing how to get results and games over the line which is important and I hope I can add that to the squad.”

After an injury-stricken season last year with West Didsbury and Chorlton, Ash told me he hopes he can get fit again and find his form in front of goal.

“I want this season to be as successful as possible. We need to perform well in the league and hopefully reach the latter stages of cup competitions like the FA Vase. For me personally, I would like to add to my good goalscoring record in the North West Counties and help the team as much as I can.”

In a message to the supporters, Woods added he’s looking forward to playing for a club that “backs the team.”

“I’m really looking forwarding to playing for 1874. I said it before, 74 is a club that has such a good following and will always back the team.”

“As a player when you get that support off the pitch it has an influence on you. That’s a big factor for me when choosing a club because it takes the pressure off you when you’re playing. I’m just looking forward to playing now.”

Tomorrow’s FA Vase game vs Selby Town marks our return to competitive football after a month’s absence.

Ahead tomorrow’s tie, Co-manager Wayne Goodison told me the players are “desperate to play.”

“We’ve prepared well. I think the lads have trained excellently over the last few weeks and we were very happy with how the game went against Wythenshawe Amateurs. We haven’t played competitively for a while and I know the players are desperate to play.”

“We’ve been to watch Selby and we’ve seen the threats they will potentially pose us. Whilst on paper they haven’t had the best of starts, we know we’ll have to be on our game otherwise they could cause us problems.”

After two early exits from the Vase in our previous two campaigns it was clear that Wayne wanted to progress much further this year whilst taking it “one game at a time.”

“As managers me and Paul want to go as far as we can in every competition. The Vase is something we have done well in previously however we must take it one game at a time.

 You can’t think about the latter rounds before you make it through the early ones. We’ve prepared well and I’d like to hope we’ve got enough to come through and win”

The absence of Scott McGowan is one which will be missed however Wayne believes we have more than enough quality to cover his role.

“Everybody wishes Scott well moving forward and we’ve trained well since he’s left. Joe Duckworth has done excellently so far during pre-season and that’s a credit to his attitude.

In pre-season we tried different things out and we feel we have enough to cover that role, however we aren’t going to move forward with only one striker.

We don’t feel like we have to make any rushed signings although if the right player comes along, we’d certainly look at it.”

Selby are currently bottom of the Northern Counties East Football League Division One after losing all five of their games so far. They progressed through the last round of the Vase against fellow North West Counties Premier side Litherland Remyca.

Tickets are available to purchase on our club shop and if you are attending tomorrow’s game please remember to social distance and wear a face covering (unless exempt) at all times.

We’re sad to announce the departure of our record goal scorer Scott McGowan, who will be joining Northern Premier League side Nantwich Town. After playing for the club over the last five years, Scott showed his prolific nature scoring 132 goals in 192 games.

Whilst suffering an interrupted first spell with the club, Wayne and Paul brought Scott back at the end of the 2016/17 season. From there he went from strength to strength, notably scoring the winning goal in the Mid Cheshire Cup Final against Northwich Victoria helping the club retain the trophy.

The following season Scott continued his prolific form playing an integral role in our FA Vase run which saw us reach the Semi Final. In what was his best season in front of goal for the club, Scott notched up 42 goals across all competitions showing the clear threat he possesses.  His own personal successes didn’t end there as he won the Supporters player of the year award in what was a truly remarkable season.

The 2018/2019 season saw the club gain more silverware winning the Macron Cup against City of Liverpool. However, that wasn’t the only award Scott would go on to achieve that season.

 At the end of season presentation night, he picked up a hat-trick of awards including The Paul Stockton Supporters Player of the season for another stunning campaign netting 36 goals in 42 games.

Despite last season’s null and voiding, Scott’s form helped us extend our healthy lead over Rylands to eight points. Before the season’s premature conclusion, McGowan managed to score 30 in 37 games in what was to be a potentially historic season for the club.

In a short statement, Scott said he wanted to thank our “unbelievable” supporters.

“It’s been an extremely difficult decision to leave the club. Playing for 1874 has been an experience like no other and I want to thank everybody who has been a part of it. I’d like to thank Paul and Wayne for putting their faith in me to play down the middle and help me perform the way I have the last few seasons.

The opportunity to play for a club at a higher level is something that doesn’t come around very often and I want to test myself to see if I can do it at that level.

Finally, I’d like to thank the club’s unbelievable supporters. Whether it’s the volunteers behind the scenes or those watching us on a matchday singing my name, it has been a pleasure to play for 1874 and an experience I will never forget.”

In addition to this, Co-manager Wayne Goodison told me whilst being “disappointed” Scott has chosen to leave, he wishes him and his family all the best.

“Obviously disappointed that Scott has chosen to leave, though the opportunity to test himself and see if he’s capable of being as successful with a totally different club at a higher level is certainly something he should attempt.

He’s been fantastic as a player and more importantly as a person for me to deal with. He knows my thoughts on him, and I wish him and his family the best of luck for his future, both in and out of football.”

Everybody at 1874 Northwich would like to thank Scott for his dedication and hard work over the past 5 years and we wish him all the best ahead of his move to Nantwich Town.

As you will be aware the situation in the North West of England regarding Covid-19 is extremely serious. A large part of the area that we cover as part of the NWCFL is currently subject to local lock down restrictions.

You will recall our Macron Cup game at Runcorn Town was unfortunately suspended due to the shared concerns of Halton Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council. Understandably, these councils are very concerned about the potential of football crowds to increase the spread of the disease across regional lines.

As a result of the decision to suspend last Saturday’s cup game, 1874 Northwich have been in daily communication with the relevant authorities at CWaC, who have provided a comprehensive guide to the conditions that they require to allow football to proceed in Cheshire West.

Cases of coronavirus are increasing in Cheshire West.

Leaders of Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) are in talks with Cheshire East Council, the County MPs and the government over additional coronavirus restrictions in the borough.

CWAC have already applied for extra “enforcement powers” from the government in its fight against coronavirus.

Given that events are changing on a daily basis creates significant problems in preparing for a match, implementing new directives in such a short period of time and in communicating important information to all potential spectators. In particular, it is very difficult to manage our online ticketing system, which we have introduced to reduce the amount of cash being handled, to reduce queuing at turnstiles and to aid our track and trace systems.

As a club we are working extremely hard to ensure that we comply with this new raft of requirements from the council, which come on top of the guidelines issued previously by the FA and DCMS that we had to follow in order to start allowing fans again back in August.

CWaC have made it clear that 1874 Northwich are not being singled out in this respect, all local clubs have been informed of these enhanced requirements and have made it clear that any club found not to be complying may face serious sanctions should spectators be allowed into grounds that they class as not safe.

In light of this the board of 1874 Northwich FC have requested via the league that our first home game on Saturday 3rd October and the following game on the Tuesday evening be postponed.

We fundamentally do not believe it correct to play behind closed doors and hopefully a postponement will ensure that we are able to fully comply with the council’s requirements in time to allow us to play our FA Vase game on the 10th October in front of supporters.

We understand that this course of action is regrettable, however our first priority must be to ensure the safety of our supporters, our players and officials, and thereafter to safeguard the continued success and capacity of football at our level to continue.

Following discussions between Runcorn Town and Halton Borough Council, the League’s Emergency Committee has taken the decision to postpone tomorrow’s Marcon Challenge Cup Final between Runcorn Town and 1874
Northwich due to concerns about public health and safety as a result of COVID-19 restrictions in the Borough.

The League would like to thank both clubs for their preparations for the final, which included full risk assessments for the game based on FA and DCMS guidance allowing spectators to watch football at Step 3 and below in the National League System.

Despite late discussions between all parties the Local Authority asked for the game to be played behind closed doors, however, both the League and both clubs felt it was appropriate to postpone the game until a time the final can be rearranged with spectators.

The League and both clubs would like to apologise for the late notice of postponement but this was unavoidable due to the changing position relating to COVID-19.

Tickets sold for this game will still be honoured for any rearranged game, however should anybody want a refund, they should contact the relevant club that they purchased from direct.

Ahead of Tuesday’s FA Cup clash against Warrington Rylands, we caught up with Wayne Goodison to discuss preseason so far and preview next week’s tie.

When asked for his reaction to the draw, Wayne told me “it’s one of the most difficult games we could have and it’s the exact same for them.”

He continued, “I’m really looking forward to the game and so are the players. We had two really good games against them last year and we know they’ll come and play good football against us. They’ve got some good players; we get on well with their management and with fans allowed back it should be a great occasion. The way we see it, if you’re going to do anything in the FA Cup, then you have to go through at least two or three difficult games in the process and this is one of them.”

It was clear from speaking to Wayne that he believes it’ll come down to “who can impose their style better on each other on the day.”

“We expect them to pose a similar threat to last year. We like the way they play and we’re sure they’ll feel the same about the way we do. They play good football with a high tempo and have obviously strengthened their side, but so have we.  The signings we’ve made have improved us and we want to do better than we did last season so Tuesday will be a good test for us. I believe it will come down to who can impose their style better on each other on the day.

The main thing for us is that it brings back some more normality. I’ve said it many times before that both sides won’t be totally ready, but the FA Cup gives us and the players an extra level of focus especially against tough opposition.”

Wayne highlighted our pressing ability could be the difference between the two sides on Tuesday night.

“It took us a long while to get this right, even before last season. We looked at what we could do better and we felt playing a high tempo game in and out of possession would be fundamental.  No matter what people say about how well we supposedly did last year, it all comes down to how committed the lads are too each other, with and without the ball. For us, it’s vital to play that way because without that energy, we aren’t the team we can be. We’ve worked on certain elements of this throughout preseason and I’m sure they have too.”

To get your tickets to our Extra Preliminary round tie vs Warrington Rylands, head over to our club shop to purchase them to limit cash handling on the day.

The board of 1874 Northwich FC wish to inform all supporters that, as previously agreed this fixture will be played behind closed doors.

We are aware of the recent changes to guidance relating to allowing supporters inside stadiums. However much consideration has gone into the planning of this fixture in order to ensure that it is conducted in a safe manner in accordance with Government advice. The fixture had always been planned as a dress rehearsal to test and adapt the clubs response to Covid-19. It is the clubs responsibility to ensure the health, safety and well being of our supporters and to ensure that all necessary safeguards are in place and have been tested before allowing supporters through the turnstiles.

It is regretful that given the short notice of the changes to guidance, and the limit on numbers who would be allowed to attend, we do not feel that it would be fair to either side to selectively admit supporters.

The club understands the disappointment that many will feel, but ultimately the long term success of the return of supporters to watching football is paramount.

1874 Northwich are currently arranging an additional pre season warm up game to be played at Townfield on Thursday 27^th August 2020. Details of this game and arrangements for admission will be announced shortly.

As always we appreciate the assistance and support of our supporters in ensuring that we can all return to watching football in a safe manner.

On behalf of the board of 1874 Northwich FC

After recent guidance from the North West Counties, they announced they intend to start the season on the 3^rd of October with fans (This is subject to change as it could be brought forward or delayed further).  Over the weekend I caught up with our Captain Matt Woolley to discuss how our preparations are going ahead of the new campaign . However, when speaking to Matt, it became clear that there are more challenges than ever to be ready for the new season.

“It’s difficult because we now have a confirmed date, but it still seems as if it may go on and on where we don’t have sufficient information as players to prepare to hit our peak once the season is up and running.  I think we all need a final date confirmed, which we thought we had so it removes the uncertainty that we are currently experiencing. We don’t want to go on and on playing friendlies without knowing when the season will start because the whole benefit of those games will run out.”

Despite this, Woolley told me that the intensity in the training sessions has to rise ahead of the planned date of the 1^st of September in the FA Cup .

“The sessions so far have been good, it’s great being around the lads and ultimately whether the season starts on the target date or not, we have to plan on that being the case. Over the next few weeks, we’ll see the intensity in the sessions increase and become more competitive. The only way we are going to become sharper and get our match fitness back is by playing friendlies so hopefully that can happen in a Covid secure manner.”

One potential challenge that Matt raised was the issue of playing games against sides situated in a local lockdown.

“I personally don’t think you can start a season if local lockdowns are going to be in place. If people can only see their households, can they still play games and come to training or is that also now not allowed. It’s only going to prolong a season. If these situations are going to occur, what you’ll find is teams will have players at different stages; some will be fit, others may be getting to fitness and there will be those that are completely unfit. If we start playing games in these situations, the quality of those will be reduced and may not be reflective of a somewhat ‘normal season.’

With FA and Government guidance ruling that any pre-season games will be played behind closed doors, Matt explained that one of the biggest concerns for players is the matchday experience they will encounter.

“For me none of my family are high risk, so I can be confident that I won’t be affecting anybody close to me, but that can’t be generalised for everybody. There could be some players who can’t commit to playing a full season at this stage because they can’t put loved ones at risk. However, the biggest concern for us as players is the matchday experience. For example, changing facilities will be unavailable, we won’t be able to shower after games. Everybody will be sweating, which can potentially carry the virus and we will have to go home in the same kit we’ve just played 90 minutes in. That’s why for me personally, it’s much more difficult to say let’s play football again, if the conditions we are playing under aren’t clear.”

However, in preparation for the forthcoming season, Woolley said that they need to be more clinical in front of goal and also tighter as a defensive unit.

“One of the things we have been working on so far is our shape and the way we play our games. We saw a lot of times last season there were games where teams decided to sit back and protect either their lead or trying to take a point against us, so this season we have to become more clinical. Even though we were the best side in terms of goals scored and least conceded, there’s always ways to improve and Wayne and Paul have been helping us with that so far in pre-season. We’re learning to take our chances even more so when they come because that’s what is going to propel us to the next level in our hunt for promotion.”

The last in the series… and we got our football secretary involved