Paschendale FC

....and the battle commenced

In a quiet backstreet pub in 2005, the dream of two drunken men was about to became a reality. Darren Redmond and Stuart Telford had thought the idea of a Sunday League Football team of their own was something they had to do. So, relying on friends and more drunkards, they scraped together a team.

They soon joined the ranks of the  Coronation League and a buzz of excitement swept the camp. This excitement didnt last long as only 9 players turned up for the first match which ended in a 13-0 drubbing. The dream in tatters after just 90 minutes didnt deter them from continuing their campaign which resulted in loss after loss of games and players.(the team used 11 goalkeepers throughtout the season) New players were brought in and a new coach was appointed which resulted in them winning and drawing a few more matches, which stopped the rot. But this didnt stop the team from finishing 3rd from bottom.

The team that started the second season (2006/07) were near enough a completely different outfit that had started the season before, with more new players being signed up and a permanent goalkeeper being found for the team too. (not in photo) The team also found a new sponsorship for the club and by request of the sponsor, they changed their name.

This new name seemed to bring a change of attitude to the team. A more positive and determined side hit the fields every week. Tidy and intelligent football was being played and the team seemed to gel as the weeks went by. Going nearly 4 months unbeaten and only losing 6 games all season saw 'The Motors' finish third in the table. This earned them a well deserved promotion. The club also found themselves a new home for the next season

The 2nd Season as AFC Smallbone Motors was very different to the 1st. Only winning 4 league games all season was down to a lack of commitment and preparation by the team. with half the team absent throughout the season, it was impossible to maintain a balanced line up. Although the club enjoyed their best ever cup run, falling in both the Quarter Finals and the Semi Finals, they still finished second from bottom in the league.

To top an already bad year for the club, it was announced that the Manager, Darren Redmond would be stepping down at the end of the season. The Sponsors also discontinued their financial support for the club and the clubs application for their new pitch was turned down.

The reins were quickly picked up by the clubs coach, Kevin Redmond, who took over the role as Manager, and so Paschendale FC was born

New name to start the 4th season might have brought a change of fortune to the club, however, it wasnt to be.

There was a high turnover of players this season that led to a very unsettled side throughout. Training became an issue as player attendance tapered out after christmas and the run of bad luck continued though to the end of the season.

The football being played was of a good standard, and many games saw the Dale take the lead through good play. However, due to lack of fitness within the squad and lack of training together they couldnt hold on for the full 90 minutes.

Sadly, this season saw two long term players announced their retirement. Andy Young and Mark Townson had both been present since the first season and had contributed well as team players.

After his first season in charge as manager, Kevin Redmond knew that the second season would be tough. Having reflected on this  season he intended to set the team back on the path to success.