Tuesday 12th April 2005

MATTY . . . ANKLE INJURY COULD BE SERIOUS!

Mossley wing back Matty Taylor was taken to hospital tonight with what looks like a suspected broken ankle following a poor challenge an hour into tonight's emphatic 4-0 victory over Colwyn Bay.
Everyone at Mossley AFC wishes Matty a speedy and complete recovery!

Friday 8th April 2005

ATHERTON FRIENDLY POSTPONED!

Tomorrow's planned home friendly against Atherton Collieries has been postponed in order to protect the Seel Park pitch for Tuesday's important League fixture against Colwyn Bay.

Thursday 3rd March 2005

JOSH SET FOR INTERNATIONAL CALL!

Scouring Europe for qualifying players Guyana, placed 182 in the FIFA world rankings discovered that Mossley midfield star Josh Howard’s grandfather was born in the Caribbean nation that is actually part of the South America mainland.
Guyana play in the North and Central Americans and Caribbean Zone in World Cup qualifiers and have been impressed enough with Josh’s playing credentials that he has been invited to play in a forthcoming friendly.
Josh would become Mossley’s first ever current full international player, but let’s hope that his call up doesn’t interfere with his Mossley duties.
Guyana are managed by Brazilian Neider dos Santos.

Thursday 3rd March 2005

POSTPONED OSSETT ALBION MATCH RE-ARRANGED!

Last night's scheduled fixture at Ossett Albion which was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch has been re-arranged for Tuesday 22nd March (7.45 pm).

Thursday 24th February 2005

JASON RESPONDS TO FA CHARGE!

Mossley boss Jason Beckford responded to his FA charge by insisting he was monitoring his players’ well-being.
The Lilywhites boss has until Thursday to answer the allegation that he broke the FA rule E3 concerning ‘abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official’ after a 2-2 draw with Willenhall Town on February 5.
Home supporters were known to be aggrieved at what they believed were over-physical challenges by Town that went unpunished.
Beckford said: “I said a few things to the ref after the game because he contributed to us not getting three points.
“His handling of the game was really poor and I thought somebody could have got hurt – I told him so and I was well within my rights to do so.
“I’m probably guilty of what I’ve said but I think it’s important for the FA to know my side of it because I’m just trying to look after my players.”
If found guilty, sanctions can range from a warning and a fine to a touchline ban and fine.
On the field, Beckford said bright spots from the weekend’s 2-0 defeat against Kidsgrove Athletic were few and far between.
Andy Thackeray made his debut after signing from Ashton United, while Josh Howard came back after three months out.
Beckford added: “We looked like we hadn’t played for a few weeks – we hadn’t played for 14 days and we looked ring rusty.
“The disappointing thing was things were going well and then we let in a sloppy goal.
“Andy will be a real plus for us, I’ve known him for a long time and he will do well for us.
“It’s also good to have Josh back although he tired badly and went off after half-time.”

Tuesday 22nd February 2005

WARRINGTON MATCH POSTPONED!

Heavy snow in Mossley yesterday has put paid to tonight's scheduled fixture against Warrington Town. No new date has yet been set!

Saturday 19th February 2005

JASON SNAPS UP THACKERAY!

Mossley manager Jason Beckford has signed 37 year old defender Andy Thackeray after his release from Tameside neighbours Ashton United following a recent change in the management team at the Conference North outfit. Thackeray had a long Football League career with the likes of Manchester City, Newport County, Huddersfield Town, Wrexham, Rochdale and Halifax Town before dropping in to the semi-pro game with Nuneaton Borough in 1999 before being promoted to player-coach at Borough in 2001/2 season. Whilst with Wrexham he was in their side that brought off one of the biggest FA Cup shocks of the nineties when the Welsh side beat Arsenal 2-1 in 1994.

Tuesday 15th February 2005

JOSH GETS ALL CLEAR!

Mossley's midfield maestro Josh Howard has been given permission by his specialist to resume playing following an extended absence due to a dislocated shoulder which has needed an operation. Josh has been back in full training for a few weeks and was anxiously awaiting the all clear. The former Manchester United youth team captain will return to the squad for Saturday's game against Kidsgrove Athletic.

Saturday 12th February 2005

ILKESTON MATCH POSTPONED!

Today's scheduled match at Ilkeston Town has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch following a morning pitch inspection! The game will now be played on Tuesday 19th April 2005.

Thursday 10th February 2005

COYNEY SIGNS FOR TRAFFORD!

Concerned with a lack of selection opportunities Tony Coyne has been allowed to join North West Counties League side Trafford.
Coyney has made 143 appearances in practically every position (including goalkeeper) for Mossley and has scored 21 goals, many of them vital cup goals, the last being the winner against Ossett Albion in the FA Cup this season.
Jason Beckford hasn't totally ruled Coyney out of his plans though and Mossley have retained his UniBond League registration.

Saturday 5th February 2005

UniBond League official Alan Alcock presents Mossley with the Club of the Month and top scorer awards for January prior to today's home game against Willenhall Town

Monday 1st February 2005

MOSSLEY EARN TWO UNIBOND AWARDS!

The decision to give Mossley the First Division prize was again not an easy affair with AFC Telford United, North Ferriby United and Willenhall Town coming into consideration. The panel decided to go for Mossley who were undefeated in league competition throughout the month.
The presentation will take place on Saturday 5th February prior to the kick off of Mossley’s home fixture against Willenhall Town.
The January Endsleigh Sport Insurance Goalscoring Award for January goes to Workington in the Premier Division and Mossley in the First Division.
Workington scored 13 goals in 4 games with Mossley scoring 12 in 5.
Both clubs will receive a special box of two bottles of wine kindly donated by the sponsors Endsleigh Sports Insurance.
Mossley gaining this award for the second time this season, following their award in November.

Saturday 22nd January 2005

POSTPONED MATCH RE-ARRANGED...AGAIN!

Last week's postponed Manchester Premier Cup tie against Radcliffe Borough has been re-arranged yet again and will now take place this coming Tuesday (25th January - 7.45 pm) as originally arranged.

Friday 21st January 2005

JASON LINES UP WOODLEY STAR!

Mossley manager Jason Beckford has signed Woodley Sports highly rated former Nantwich Town midfielder Melford Knight. Melford will join Mossley's squad for tomorrow's UniBond League trip to Eastwood Town provided a slight hitch over his registration is ironed out as expected! Also in the squad is goalkeeper Ian Willcock signed from Colwyn Bay who has now received international clearance and is expected to take over from teenager Matthew Taylor who played at Stocksbridge last week.
Chris Downey will miss the next three games due to suspension while Matty Taylor will be an absentee tomorrow due to a family commitment that has been known about for some time!
Leon Mike meanwhile will have a fitness test before tomorrow's match but is hoping to be fit to take some part in the game!

Tuesday 18th January 2005

POSTPONED MATCH RE-ARRANGED!

Tonight's postponed Manchester Premier Cup tie against Radcliffe Borough has been re-arranged for Tuesday 8th February - 7.45 pm and not next Tuesday as reported earlier.

Saturday 15th January 2005

NEW KEEPER NEEDS INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE!

Mossley manager Jason Beckford has signed 26 year old goalkeeper Ian Willcock from Welsh UniBond League side Colwyn Bay. Willcock began his career with Macclesfield Town and he also had spells with Morecambe and Caernarfon Town. He would have made his debut today at Stocksbridge but Mossley are still awaiting his 'international clearance'.
With Lee Bracey still recovering from injury and Phil Melville unavailable Mossley called on 18 year old local keeper Matthew Taylor who performed well in only his 3rd appearance for the club as Mossley romped to a 5-1 success.

Friday 7th January 2005

SALMON SIGNS!

Mossley have signed 27 year old striker Gavin Salmon from UniBond Premier Division side Witton Albion. He was only at Witton for 2 games after signing from Droylsden where he spent three years. His previous clubs are Woodley Sports, Atherton LR, Trafford and Hyde United. He is considered 'quick, with an eye for goal' and has a good scoring record. He was Droylsden's top scorer in the 2002/03 season.

Monday 27th December 2004

FORDE SIGNS FOR ANOTHER MONTH

18 year old midfielder Danny Forde has signed for another month's loan at Mossley from Oldham Athletic. The second year pro made an impressive debut at Kidsgrove but then picked up an injury in the next game at Chorley but is now fit to resume playing. He was named in the squad to face Woodley Sports today but ice and snow on the pitch caused the game to be postponed.

Saturday 18th December 2004

BAZ SIGNS...FROM CLITHEROE!

Mossley have signed Clitheroe's defensive king-pin Barrie Hart after six years at Shawbridge broken only by a spell with Accrington Stanley. The powerful left footed defender is well known to Mossley fans after some epic tussles in Mossley v Clitheroe games in recent seasons.

Saturday 11th December 2004

...AND ANOTHER TWO SIGN!

Aware of the need for urgent strengthening Jason Beckford has made two more signings ahead of tonight's game against promotion contenders Kendal Town, they are:-.
28 year old centre half Paul Challinor who's previous clubs include Birmingham City, Telford United, Aberystwyth Town, Bury and Droylsden.
Centre forward Anthony Johnson, a former paratrooper who has recently been amongst the goals for Atherton Collieries after a previous spell at Salford City.
It is also hoped to sign a third as yet un-named former Football League defender this week.

Saturday 11th December 2004

TWO DRAFTED IN FOR GRESLEY GAME!

Mossley manager Jason Beckford, having been let down by the three previously reported signings from Ashton United - Josh Mitten, Simon Carden and Niell Hardy, drafted in former Stockport County youth team captain Alex Lord and Paul Armstrong from Oldham Athletic and gave debuts to both in today's 3-0 defeat at Gresley.

Thursday 25th November 2004

STUART DIMOND R.I.P.

I am sad to record the passing of local football legend Stuart Dimond.
Stuart began his career with Bradford City where he signed at the end of WW2 making 9 first team appearances before signing for Mossley in 1947. He scored 8 goals in 24 games for Mossley. He then played for Winsford United, Ashton United, where he is considered one of their all time greats, Northwich Victoria and Hyde United, before returning to Mossley ten years later in 1958 where he was Mossley's top scorer in the 1958/59 season with 23 goals in just 34 games, including 4 in one game - a 5-1 win over Buxton. Stuart departed Mossley 3 games and 2 goals into the following season but later had spells as a manager with Buxton and Winsford United.

Saturday 20th November 2004

TELFORD MATCH IS OFF!!!

Today's scheduled match against AFC Telford United has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. The fixture will now be re-arranged for a later date!

Thursday 18th November 2004

HORE MOVES BACK NORTH!

Mossley have lost the services of left sided midfielder John Hore who has moved back to live in his native Carlisle due to a change in his personal circumstances. John has done well in his time at Mossley and will be missed. ! His likely football destination is Scottish League side Gretna where he enjoyed a previous successful spell!

Wednesday 17th November 2004

DOMINIC'S A LILYWHITE

Mossley have signed 24 years old left wing back Dominic Studley. A former Manchester United academy and reserve player Studley was in the same United youth team as Josh Howard but drifted into parks football following his release. He was set to make his Mossley debut in last night's postponed cup tie at Chorley.

Wednesday 17th November 2004

CHORLEY MATCH RE-ARRANGED

Last night's postponed Chorley v Mossley UniBond League Cup tie has been re-arranged for next Tuesday 23rd November - 7.45 pm. This causes the cancellation of Mossley's scheduled home League fixture with Kendal Town which will now be re-arranged for a later date!

Friday 12th November 2004

FORDE SIGNS ON LOAN FROM OLDHAM

Mossley manager Jason Beckford has strenthened his injury hit squad with the loan capture (initially for one month) of Oldham Athletic's talented 19 year old midfielder Danny Forde. Danny, whose Latics squad number is 21, has yet to appear in the Latics first team apart from friendlies and also played against Mossley for Oldham in this season's pre season meeting.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Asley Timms brief stint as a Mossley player is over as he has been released after making just 2 appearances - both against Bridlington in the FA Trophy. Phil Melville returns to the number 1 shirt at Kidsgrove tomorrow while Lee Bracey is expected to be fit by next week.

Central defender Danny Meadowcroft returns to tomorrow's line-up following illness. He is now apparently Mossley's player after gaining his release from his contract with Stockport County.

Monday 8th November 2004

HOME DRAW FOR WINNERS

Mossley have been drawn at home to Eastwood Town in the FA Trophy 2nd Round provided they can overcome Bridlington Town in tomorrow night's replay. Eastwood surprisingly beat Conference North side Worksop Town 1-0 in Saturday's first round. The 2nd round games will be played on Saturday 27th November. For full draw click here.

Sunday 7th November 2004

RORY ARRIVES FROM BORO'

Mossley manager Jason Beckford has strenthened his injury ravaged squad with the addition of 20 year old striker / midfielder Rory Patterson from Radcliffe Borough.
A former Northern Ireland under 19 International Patterson previously made around 20 first team appearances for Rochdale.

Radcliffe's web-site had the following to say:- A former Northern Ireland U19 international who impressed Kevin Glendon in pre-season and instantly became a fans favourite who many have predicted to become the next Jody Banim. Signed from Rochdale and can play either Midfield or Upfront. He looks to have a promising future at Radcliffe and has the ability to progress ever further up the league.

Tuesday 2nd November 2004

KEEPER SIGNS FROM CITY!

Mossley have signed 19 year old goalkeeper Ashley Timms following his release from Manchester City.
Timms began his career with Atherton LR before being snapped up by City. He was initially released last season and had brief spells on trial with Bolton Wanderers and Oldham Athletic before City re-signed him after a short time with Altrincham where he played both in the first team and their FA Youth Cup side..

Thursday 28th October 2004

IAN MORECROFT R.I.P.

It is my sad duty to record the passing of former Mossley AFC Chairman Ian Morecroft after a brief illness.
A one time Manchester League referee and Cheshire League linesman, Ian joined the Mossley committee in the early 1960's and eventually became Club Chairman. He was instrumental in Mossley joining the Northern Premier League in 1972 and he later became a member of the League Management Committee. He was still Chairman when Mossley went to Wembley in 1980 and remained in that position until 1983. Although he severed his ties with the Club several years ago, he didn't like the way semi pro football was heading, and the amateur game remained in his heart. He spent the last few years involved with the Manchester League. He was a close friend of former Mossley Secretary and Chairman Jim Wharmby, who sadly passed away last year and visited Jim in hospital every day during his long illness!
Ian was a tremendously popular character in the NW non-league scene and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family!

Tuesday 26th October 2004

PT GOES TO WOODLEY

Long serving former Mossley captain Paul Taylor has departed from Seel Park after seven years and 321 appearances making him 8th in Mossley's all time appearance list.
PT has been a great servant to Mossley AFC, three times Player of the Year, a great clubman and all round good bloke.
Approaching the end of his career Paul wanted regular first team football and he couldn't be guaranteed that at Mossley and has therefore decided to accept an offer from Woodley Sports, where he will again be reunited with his former Mossley team-mates Mark Phillips and Russ Headley.
I would like to place on record on behalf of everyone at Mossley AFC our thanks for some great memories and good luck in your time at Woodley!

CHRIS DOWNEY - SEPTEMBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Monday 18th October 2004

JOSH OUT FOR TWELVE WEEKS!

Mossley's hopes have been dealt a severe blow with the news that Josh Howard will be out for around 12 weeks after dislocating his right shoulder ten minutes into Saturday's FA Cup defeat at Hinckley United. Josh has been a key player again this season and his creative flair and silky skills will be sadly missed! He is going to need surgery before he can play again. This is the second time Josh has dislocated the same shoulder whilst with Mossley. The previous occasion was early in the 2002-03 season in a NWCL game at Prescot Cables.
Everyone at the club wishes Josh a speedy recovery!
Meanwhile Matty Taylor and John Hore should be available for selection after their respoective injuries by weekend.

Monday 4th October 2004

BROWNY'S BACK!

Following his unavailability since pre season due to work commitments Dave Brown is now clear to resume his Mossley career. The popular centre half / midfielder was a stalwart of the team last season making 40 appearances and scoring 8 goals. Jason Beckford described Brown's impending return as 'like signing a new player and a great boost to the team'.
Meanwhile another boost to the side is the impending return from injury of Leon Mike, John Hore and Rhodri Giggs all of whom are expected to be available for selection by Saturday. On the down side Paul Taylor incurred a groin injury on Saturday that could keep him sidelined on Saturday.
New loan signing Paul Murphy, equally at home in defence or midfield, will also be added to the squad for the visit of Eastwood Town.
Midfielder Bobby Jones who made just one substitute appearance for Mossley has joined Rossendale United now managed by Mark Molyneaux, until recently a Mossley player himself. Centre half Billy McCartney is still registered with Mossley though but has played the last couple of games for Bacup Borough in the NWCL.

Monday 4th October 2004

DIFFICULT DRAW IN FA CUP!

Mossley have been drawn away again in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup when they must travel to the second placed club in Conference North - Hinckley United. Hinckley have had an excellent start to the current season. They won through to today's draw with a 3-1 home victory over Southern Premier side Stamford on Saturday. The match was the first one out of 'the hat' at FA headquarters this morning.
More details to follow! click here for full draw

Friday 1st October 2004

LOAN SIGNINGS IN TIME FOR CUP CLASH!

Mossley manager Jason Beckford has signed two players on loan in time for tomorrow's FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round clash at UniBond Premier side Whitby Town. Returning to Mossley for a second loan spell is defender Danny Meadowcroft, now on a full-time contract with Stockport County played against Mossley in a pre season friendly this term after making 8 appearances for the Lilywhites last season. Also arriving on loan is Manchester City's versatile Irish Youth International Paul Murphy who has a reputation for scoring headed goals. He was a regular in the City team that reached the semi finals of last season's FA Youth Cup and scored several important goals including netting against Middlesbrough in the semi.

Monday 20th September 2004

WE'RE OFF TO THE SEASIDE IN THE CUP!

Mossley have been drawn away to UniBond Premier side Whitby Town in the 2nd Qualifying Round. Whitby are currently managerless after parting company with long serving boss Harry Dunn at the start of the current season. They won through to this stage with a 3-1 victory at Billingham Synthonia on Saturday and are currently lie in 8th place in the League with a record of:-
P 8 W 3 D 3 D 2 F 8 A 12 Pts 12
Mossley's only previous meeting with Whitby was in the FA Vase in 1996/97 when Whitby won a quarter final tie 5-1 on their way to winning the Vase that season.
The match will take place at Whitby on Saturday 2nd October 2004 (3.00 pm).
Travel details to follow!

Wednesday 15th September 2004

JONES DEBUTS AGAINST FORMER CLUB!

With Leon Mike and Josh Howard out throiugh injury and Shaun Dootson suspended Mossley have called on the services of former Chorley player Bobby Jones. Jones (28) who has a reputation as a tough tackling midfielder, began his playing career with Castleton Gabriels before having spells with Salford City, Flixton and Trafford. He made his Mossley debut in last night's fortuitous 2-1 win over Chorley when coming on as a second half substitute for Mario Daniel.

Sunday 5th September 2004

JOSH IS PLAYER OF THE MONTH!

Mossley captain Josh Howard is the Supporters Club Player of the Month for August after some excellent performances in the first month in UniBond League and he received his award following yesterday's 3-0 FA Cup win over Selby Town. A new award was also presented for the first time yesterday when Mario Daniel was presented with a momento for 'Goal of the Month' for his strike in the 5-1 openining day victory over Rocester. Both prizes were presented by Mascot for the day Emma Keaney.

Josh Howard Player of the Month	Mario Daniel Goal of the Month

Friday 20th August 2004

READY FOR THE BIG KICK OFF!

Mossley embark on their return to the UniBond League following a nine year hiatus in the relative obscurity of the North West Counties League. Much has happened in the intervening years and the club that returns to it’s former League is very different from the struggling outfit that was relegated twice in quick succession in the first half of the 1990’s.

"It has been a long hard lesson for the club but one which has seen plenty of excitement, some moments of great joy but also some terrible moments of great frustration and disappointment. However, we are here now and have every intention of staying and enjoying the experience and see how far it takes us!"

Off the field the club has grown considerably in recent years thanks to the continuing fine efforts of the present chairman and his family along with other backroom workers, whilst on the field we have a manager and assistant manager with ambitions for the team they have built for Mossley AFC. Having retained the bulk of last seasons squad and bolstered it with a few choice signings it all augers well for the exciting months ahead.

Mossley’s visitors for Saturday’s game are one of several unknown quantities they will face as they embark on our new adventure. Staffordshire side Rocester FC (known as the Romans) won the Midland Alliance last season, bouncing back after a disastrous spell in the Southern League. Our clubs can know little about each other and this makes today’s opener all the more intriguing!

Rocester’s hopes will no doubt be placed on the shoulders of 50+ goal leading scorer Paul McMahon but he is believed to be an injury doubt for today’s game. Rocester manager Warren Campbell has made several new signings for the coming campaign including Johnathon Hassell and Oliver Rees from Leek Town, Lee Owen from Northwich Victoria), Craig Heaney (Swindon Supermarine) and Carl Allen (Ashbourne United).

Mossley’s retained list at the end of last season did not include Mark Phillips, Simon Heaton, Russ Headley (all three having apparently joined Woodley Sports) or Leyton Slack who has returned to his native Scotland. More recently Alan Bailey has been allowed to move to Ashton United and Dave Brown has announced his unavailability due to work commitments.

Mossley manager Jason Beckford and his assistant John Murphy have had a busy summer recruiting quality replacements. The new arrivals are:- goalkeeper Lee Bracey (Chorley). Defenders-Phil Drummond (Macclesfield Town), Gavinlee Ellison (Leigh RMI) and Billy McCartney (Chorley). Midfielders-Carl Rezai (Leigh RMI), Jordan Goodeve (Macclesfield Town) and John Hore (Kettering Town) along with forwards Craig Fleming (Oldham Athletic) and Mario Daniel (Leigh RMI).

On Tuesday evening (24th August) Mossley play their first away game in the UniBond League when they travel to Humberside to play North Ferriby United and are also away on Saturday with a trip to Leicestershire to face Shepshed Dynamo. The Supporters Club are organising coaches to both games and there may still be a couple of seats spare. Please contact Simon Howard 07766 147327.

Mossley are organising a Saturday Morning Soccer School for children aged between 6 and 14 beginning on Saturday 4th September from 10 am to 12 noon. Cost is £2 per child and children will also be allowed into Seel Park free of charge for home matches accompanied by a paying adult. Details from Mrs Rigby 01457 832369.

John Murphy, Jason Beckford, Sam Rigby and Bob Murphy on the top table at last night's Football Forum

Saturday 14th August 2004

McCARTNEY SNAPPED UP FROM CHORLEY!

With the apparent unavailability of Dave Brown for the coming season Mossley manager Jason Beckford has acted quickly to snap up central defender Billy McCartney from UniBond rivals Chorley where he has been 'Players Player of the Year' for the last two seasons. McCartney, who was also Chorley's team captain previously served Ramsbottom United, Trafford, Stalybridge Celtic, Castleton Gabriels, Macclesfield Town and Rochdale.

Billy McCartney

Thursday 12th August 2004

DANIEL IN SURPRISE RETURN FROM LEIGH!

Energy ball striker Mario-Sergio Daniel who impressed in a brief spell at Mossley last season before joining Conference National side Leigh RMI made a surprise return to the Mossley squad for tonight's impressive 3-2 win over UniBond Premier favourites Hyde United in tonight's final pre season friendly prior to the start of the season a week on Saturday. Daniel came on as a half time substitute for Rhodri Giggs and caused absolute mayhem in the Hyde defence with his dazzling pace helping him to a superb goal.
On the debit side central defender Dave Brown has problems with work commitments that have so far prevented him from commiting himself to the club for the coming season and in another shock move striker Alan Bailey has apparently signed for Ashton United.

Tuesday 10th August 2004

HYDE MATCH RE-ARRANGED!

Following the postponement due to torrential rain of tonight's scheduled friendly against Hyde United, the game has now been re-arranged for this coming Thursday evening (12th August - 7.30 pm).

Friday 6th August 2004

HORE SIGNS FROM KETTERING!

Mossley manager Jason Beckford saw enough in 45 minutes on Tuesday night to offer left sided player John Hore terms for the coming season. 21 year old Liverpudlian born Hore was a regular in Kettering Town's team last season but has recently signed up for study at University in Manchester. He began his playing career with Carlisle United and then played for Gretna in the Scottish League.

Saturday 24th July 2004

ELLISON RETURNS A YEAR ON!

Jason Beckford added three players to the line up for this afternoon's friendly against Liverpool Combination side Aigburth PH. Gavinlee Ellison returned after a spell in the Conference with Leigh RMI and also trialing from Leigh was former Liverpool junior - 20 year old Chris McGrath, son of former Irish International Paul McGrath. Making his first appearance in goal was Matthew Taylor (18) who lives in Mossley and was offered a trial after impressing in local amateur football. All three players were impressive on their first appearances.

Friday 16th July 2004

EXPERIENCE ADDED TO SQUAD FOR FLIXTON MATCH!

Mossley manager Jason Beckford has named two very experienced 'trialists' in the squad for tomorrow's opening friendly against Flixton at Seel Park.

Goalkeeper Lee Bracey who was rated as one of the best keepers in the UniBond League when Chorley paid a four figure fee to Ossett Town to secure his services in November 2002. As his number of appearances for Chorley grew, his performance level also increased, and he was in inspired form to keep Jody Banim and co at bay almost single handedly at times in the play-off final against Radcliffe at the end of 2002/03 season. Last season though, his appearances were limited due to him training to be a police officer. He also represents Ipswich Town in the 5-a-side Masters Tournament. Previous clubs:- West Ham United, Swansea City (128 appearances), Halifax Town (£47,500) (78), Bury (£20,000) (72), Ipswich Town (£40,000) and Hull City (30).

Former Australian International Jason Van Blerk is also named. The experienced defender / midfielder made 33 appearances for the Socceroos and his previous clubs are St Georges (Australia), Blacktown City (Australia), PIA Leichhardt (Australia), K Sint-Truidense VV (Belgium), Go Ahead Eagles (Holland), Millwall (£300,000) (87-2), Manchester City (21-0), West Bromwich Albion (£50,000) (119-3), Stockport County (14-0), Hull City (10-1), Shrewsbury Town (30-2), Altrincham, Colwyn Bay, Wollongong Wolves (Aust) and Macclesfield Town.

Also named in the squad is recent signing Carl Rezai along with Oldham Athletic's recently released teenage midfielder Craig Fleming, former Macclesfield teenagers Phil Drummond (left sided defender) and Jordan Goodeve (midfield) along with former Manchester United junior Danny Grant.

Mossley's other recent signing Paul Mashiter is not yet available due to work commitments while Alan Bailey is still to return from coaching in the USA. Assistant Manager John Murphy is another absentee as he is due to return from a summer coaching in Australia shortly!

Wednesday 14th July 2004

HACKNEY ABOUT TURN!

Mossley will not after all be re-signing goalkeeper Rob Hackney from Stone Dominoes after the former Lilywhites shot stopper asked for more money as Stone had matched Mossley's initial offer. Mossley boss Jason Beckford said that he is not concerned by this and still has 'other irons in the fire'. Watch this space...

Saturday 3rd July 2004

FIRST SIGNINGS UNVEILED!

Mossley manager Jason Beckford has returned from holiday and has revealed news of three new signings. Goalkeeper Rob Hackney returns to the club after a successful season with Stone Dominoes. Also arriving at Seel Park is striker Paul Mashiter who was Great Harwood Town's 21 goal leading scorer last season and previously played for Ramsbottom United. The third signing is midfielder / defender Carl Rezai who has Football League experience with Halifax Town and last season was a regular with Leigh RMI in the Conference. There are several other trialists who will be looking to join Mossley when pre season training resumes on Tuesday evening.

Friday 2nd July 2004

CUP DRAWS KIND TO MOSSLEY!

The draws for the three major cup competitions have been reasonably kind to Mossley giving the Lilywhites home ties in each. In the FA Cup Preliminary Round Mossley will face Northern Counties East League side Selby Town at Seel Park on Saturday 4th September with the winners at home to either fellow UniBond Division One side Ossett Albion or Washington of the Albany Northern League Division Two. In the FA Trophy Mossley have received a bye through the preliminary round and entertain UniBond Premier Division new boys Bridlington Town on Saturday 6th November in the 1st Round. In the UniBond League Challenge Cup Mossley will entertain old rivals Clitheroe in the 1st Round on Tuesday 26th October.
Click here to see the full fixture list for the 2004/05 season.

Monday 7th June 2004

AFC TELFORD UNITED PLACED IN UNIBOND ONE!

The Football Association today confirmed that the newly formed club AFC Telford United will play next season in the UniBond League First Division. Ossett Town who just missed out on a place in the Premier Division at the end of the season will now somewhat fortuitously be placed in the higher division.
AFC Telford United play in a £14m stadium and would be expected to average around 1,000 supporters. Their predecessors Telford United were of course members of the Conference and reached the 3rd round of the FA Cup last season where they lost to finalists Millwall. They also hold a memorable record in the FA Trophy having appeared in five Wembley finals with 3 wins and 2 defeats.

Thursday 3rd June 2004

JASON KEEPS HIS CARDS CLOSE TO HIS CHEST!

Mossley boss Jason Beckford has revealed that he has so far signed three new players for the coming challenge of the UniBond League but will not reveal any names until the squad returns for pre season training shortly. Dont be surprised though if one of the new boys is a popular former Mossley goalkeeper! Watch this space....!!!