The Hound dog

And so the dawning of a new campaign looms on the horizon; 2012/13 will see the Moatmen tread new waters as the club embarks on it's first campaign in the Evo-Stick Northern First Division (South). We can look forward to renewed local rivalries with the likes of Coalville Town and Mickleover Sports as well as our first foray into the FA Trophy. Indeed there is much to excite the loyal Gresley supporter this season, However let us take a brief look at the past in order to put the club's achievements into perspective...



The club was founded in 1882 as Gresley Rovers, They initially played at the wonderfully named Mushroom Lane in nearby Albert Village which served as the base for their first campaign in the Burton upon Trent district league. The club enjoyed success in it's forulative years and acquired a new ground on Church street in Swadlincote, Rovers eventually moved across the road in 1907 to construct the Moat ground which we still call home over a century later.
Rovers's proudest moment came in 1991 when we stepped out beneath the twin towers of Wembley stadium for the FA Vase final against Guiseley in what is still regarded as one of the most exciting games to be played at the home of English football; After 31 minutes the score was Guiseley 3–0 Gresley, but Gresley came back and grabbed a very dramatic equaliser in injury time at the end of the ninety minutes. Then in extra time we went 4–3 in front but this time Guiseley scored a very dramatic equaliser as they leveled things in injury time at the end of the second half of extra time. Unfortunately we went down 3-1 in a replay at Bramall lane but this is still a performance the club can be justly proud of.

The lowest moment in the club's history came in 1997 when the club won the Dr.Martin's Premier League but was denied promotion to the National Conference due to financial restrictions preventing us from upgrading the Moat Ground to the required standard, Derby County kindly offered us use of the Baseball ground which they had just left for Pride Park but this move was blocked by the FA. This disappointment proved the beginning of the end for Rovers, a drop in attendances owing to the lack of opportunity to progress followed and just a year after winning the league the club was relegated. For several years the club battled on through financial difficulties but was eventually liquidated in 2007.

The modern incarnation of the club- Gresley FC reformed in the East Midlands counties league where they finished runners up in 2009/10 and won promotion to the Midlands Alliance where we surprised many by winning the title at the first time of asking on the final day of the season.



Which brings us nicely back to the present...

Our first fixture for 2012/13 see's us make a trip down the M42 to face Sutton Coldfield Town at the Coles Lane Ground, Win, lose or draw you can be sure their will be a good following of you loyal Moatmen in Sutton next month!

We at Gresley were this morning shocked to learn that co-managers Gary Norton and Martin Rowe have stepped down from the hot seat at the club, Norton who has lead the club to three successive promotions stated a change in shift patterns with his full tie job at his building firm as the reason for his sudden departure.
Martin will remain at the club as an assistant to whoever chairman Barry North hires to lead the club this season.

A warm welcome to our newly appointed manger, Richard Beale. Richard is a regular at the club who holds a coaching badge as well as a referees licence. Some will doubt that a 25 year old with no managerial experience is the right man for the job, However Beale who lives locally clearly impressed chairman Barry North with his vision for the clubs future.

Best of luck to the new chief!

Welcome to triallist Erik Hummell, The 24 year old American will join in pre-season preparations at the Moat with a view to a permanent deal.

We're underway in the friendly Vs.Glapwell: 0-0

GOAL! Richard Hanslow gets on the end of Mickey Lyons's long ball to slam home at the near post. Glapwell 0-1 Gresley

GOAL! - Another well placed Richard Hanslow strike has fired Gresley into a 2-0 lead at Glapwell.

HT: Glapwell 0-2 Gresley (Hanslow x2)

Gareth Lanford goes from hero to zero within minutes, The midfielder scores a stunning 25 yard strike before picking up a second yellow card moments later. Glapwell 0-3 Gresley

FT: All over at Glapwell, Gresley kick off pre-season with a 3-0 win. (Hanslow x2, Langford)

Team to face RC Warwick: Hately, Douglas, Nottingham, Barrow, Gough, Dillon, Jepson, Hummell, Goodfellow, Hanslow, Massingham

Goal! [1] - Just one minute gone and Richard Hanslow has put us ahead with a powerful drive on the edge of the Warwick area.

Goal! [10] - Phil Massingham has doubled the Moatmen's advantage by nodding home James Jepson's cross. RC Warwick 0-2 Gresley (Hanslow, Massingham)

Goal! [39] - Phil Massingham claims his second and Gresley's third as his shot bounces down off the cross bar and over the line. RC Warwick 0-3 Gresley (Hanslow, Massingham 2)

HT: RC Warwick 0-3 Gresley (Hanslow, Massingham 2) Moatmen are in complete control at half time.