Rick's Non-League Story

After 10 years totalling 519 competitive games and almost 100 friendlies as manager of Gresley Rovers/Gresley FC, Gary Norton has decided to step down from his role after guiding the club to last seasons Midland Alliance title.
However, the Gresley faithful won't be getting rid of Gary just yet as he intends to remain at the club having accepted an offer from chairman Barry North to join him and his colleagues on the board of directors. Gary was quoted as saying "I am very honoured to have been offered this opportunity and I hope that I can be of assistance to the club and the existing board members in helping to take things forward off the pitch in support of the team on it for many years to come."

He then went on to say "The decision to step down from the team management after 14 years with the club - the last 10 of which have been as first team manager - has been something I've been considering for quite some time. Without doubt it's been one of the hardest decisions I've had to make in my life as anyone who knows me will know how much I absolutely love this football club and what a huge part of my life it has been, I am as proud to be in charge of the team today as I was when I was promoted as a 29 year old reserve team manager to replace Jon Newsome as manager back in July 2003.
However after much consideration, deliberation and discussion with my family I have come to the decision that after a decade in the dugout the time is now right for both the football club and myself to step down and take a break from the management side of things. I'd like to finish off by thanking everyone for their fantastic support of the team and myself over the years."

There is no clear front runner to replace Gary but you can be assured that we will bring you news as soon as it breaks!

Gresley FC would like to extend a warm welcome to our new first team manager Richard Beale.
Beale, 25 has served the club as match day volunteer for several years whilst studying towards his coaching licence. The Birmingham born season ticket holder who now lives locally is said to be delighted to be offered the chance to begin his managerial career with the Moatmen and is full of optimism for the future; "I can't thank chairman Barry North enough for taking such a risk on an unproven coach such as myself, I want it know that although I may be young I feel ready for this challenge and I fully intend to continue to build upon the foundations laid by former manager Gary Norton."

Beale's only footballing experience came as a youth player for our divisional rivals Romulus and Sutton Coldfield Town where a knee injury ended his hopes of making it as a player, however the youngster perused his love of the game by training as a coach.

Will this gamble by the club pay off? Have your say below.

Good idea here matey. Look forward to seeing which direction you take this in.

Gresley captain Gary Hateley today became the first player to speak publicly on the appointment of 25 year old Richard Beale as the new manager at the Moat ground.

The 29 year old goalkeeper was quick to welcome the change despite the new manager being four years younger than himself; "Age shouldn't come into it, if Rick has got a good footballing brain and the drive to succeed that's all he needs, Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas had very little playing experience but started coaching and managing in their twenties and they are two of the finest coaches in the world."

Hatley was also keen to pay homage to former manager Gary Norton; "Gaz is a legend around here and I'll always have the utmost respect for him, he brought me here from Shepshed four years ago to help rebuild the playing staff after liquidation and I've loved every last minute of it, I'll always be grateful to him for giving me the chance to collect winners medals in both the Eastern Counties league and Midland Alliance."

Gresley will go head to head with local rivals Burton Albion for the first time in four years when the Brewers visit the Moat ground this August.

The visit of Gray Rowett's men is undoubtedly the highlight of a pre-season schedule that includes outings against fellow locals Shepshed Dynamo, Rocester and Conference side Nuneaton.
The Moatmen last tangled with Burton in the 2008 Bass Vase final, losing on penalty's to Nigel Clough's Brewers after beating Nottingham Forest in the semi final, you have to go back to new years day 1999 for the last league meeting between the two sides as the Brewers were again the victors, this time winning 2-0 at the Moat.

Full Schedule
Saturday 21st July - Shepshed Dynamo
Monday 23rd July - Ibstock United
Thursday 26th July - Ellistown
Tuesday 31st July - Rocester
Saturday 4th August - Nuneaton Town
Saturday 11th August - Burton Albion

*bold denotes home fixture

Good start Rick, I am looking forward to this and will be following it.

New manager Richard Beale has wasted no time in clearing the decks as he looks to begin building for his first season in the hot seat.
Beale has shown five players the door, including long time servants Adam and Tom Betteridge, older brother Tom has been with Gressley since his arrival from Mickleover in 2005, making over 150 appearances for the Moatmen. Adam, also a Mickleover recruit spent last season on loan at East Midlands Counties side Borrowash Victoria has made 76 league starts for Gresley but still finds himself surplus to requirement.
Completing the list are young wingers Alex Britton and Kyle Bryant as well as big centre forward Phil Massingham. The club wishes them them the best of luck in the future endeavours.

Thanks lads, I have been working on a few graphics on Photoshop which I will be using for match reports, hopefully they will make my story easy on the eye and intresting to read. Keep reading!

Gresley have secured their first new signings of the season by welcoming goalkeeper Joe Murrell and fullback Matty Johnson to the Moat.

Murrell, 22 joins from Blue Square South outfit Brackley Town where he was a part of the Saints promotion winning side from the Southern Premier League last season. The goalkeeper had previously donned the gloves for Banbury at the same level.
Experienced left back Johnson has been recruited from our divisional rivals Market Drayton, he has had spells with clubs all over the Midlands including Leek, Bromsgrove and AFC Telford and should provide some important experience in the Moatmen defence this season.

Will we see further transfer activity this summer or will this duo be new manager Richard Beale's only foray into the market for now? Stay tuned to Gresley.co.uk for all the latest news from the Moat!

The transfer merry-go-round completed a full rotation today as midfielder Danny Holmes departed for pastures new before quickly being replaced with Stafford's Christian Dacres.
Holmes, 25 has joined up with Conference South outfit Eastleigh Town after two years splitting his time between playing for Gresley and his role coaching the Derby County under-18's. Danny began his career at Port Vale before being released to join Burton Albion where he was a part of the Brewers side which won promotion to League Two in 2009. He would later join Derbyshire outfit Ilkeston where he was named club captain before moving to Altrincham.

Dacres, also 25 joins us from Stafford after having previously had spells with Rushall Olympic and Rocester, like Danny he is a combative midfielder who prefers to sit back and protect the defence, allowing his fellow midfielder to venture forward.
Christian could make his Gresley bow next week along with fellow new boys Joe Murrell and Matty Johnson as we travel to Shepshed for our opening friendly game of the campaign.

Gresley have been drawn to face Ryman League side Walton Casual's in the Preliminary round of the FA Trophy.
The game will be played at home on the 15th of September with the winner advancing to face either Brigg Town or Aveley in the first qualifying round.
In the FA Cup Richard Beale's men will take on the winner of Borrowash Victoria and Congenhoe United on the 25th of August, also at home.

Finally in the Doodson Sports cup we have been pitted against our divisional rivals Romulus although supporters need not worry about that one just yet as the game does not take place until the 27th of November as the Birmingham based side visit the Moat.
With these three competitions to enter in addition to the Derbyshire senior cup, could the Moatmen deliver some silverware this season? you can be sure we'll be following right here at gresleyfc.co.uk!

Gresley eased to victory in our opening pre-season game with Shepshed Dynamo this evening.

The opening goal came after sixteen minutes when Aaron Dillon picked out Jordan Nadat with a pin point cross delivered onto the strikers head inside the six yard box. Dillon again turned provider in ten minutes later when he chested down new signing Christian Dacres's pass on the edge of the area before teeing up Nadat to lash the ball past Shepshed keeper Tommy Allen.
Dynamo rarely asked any questions of the Gresley defence, however Joe Murrell was forced to rush out quickly to deny Steve Chaplin when the striker suddenly found himself through on goal courtesy of a missed interception by Michael Nottingham.

Half time brought about a complete change in line-up for Gresley as Richard Beale sent out a totally different side for the second period, perhaps a way of assessing some of the players whose futures he may not have made his mind up about just yet.
The home side briefly threatened a come back when they pulled a goal back by utilising an obviously well rehearsed throw in routine, Leighton Simmonds launching a quick throw to Luke Marston just inside the penalty area who immediately pulled the ball back for midfielder Ryan Perkins to thump past George Woodward in the Moatmen goal.

Richard Hanslow quickly extinguished the Dynamo supporters hopes of a turnaround as Jordi Gough drilled a ball across the six yard box moments after Louis Hamilton had been denied on the line by a fine piece of defending, 22 year old Hanslow was well positioned at the far post to turn the ball past Allen on the half volley.
Hanslow was denied his second in the 68th minute when Gough split the Dynamo defence in two with a precise through ball which the striker latched onto but was blocked by the on rushing Allen. Hanslow who spent last season on loan at Heather St. Johns was not to be denied eight minutes as Jordi Gough once again set up the forward after breaking way down his left flank, Jordi flicked the ball up for Hanslow to nod the ball past Allen to complete a convincing display at the Dovecote this evening.

Gresley First Half XI



Second Half XI



*Man of the Match

Coalville Town winger Anthony Carney has become the latest new face to join the Moatmen this summer.

23 year old Carney makes the short hop across the county border from Leicestershire into Derbyshire after thee years with Adam Stevens's Ravens where he made 110 appearances and scored 39 goals, helping to win promotion from the Midland Alliance in 2010.
Carney's arrival comes after Aarron Dillon's departure to Central league outfit Woodford United yesterday, the left footer prefers to play on the right flank and cut inside to enable him to shoot on his stronger foot.

This is new manager Richard Beale's fourth signing of the summer as he tries to put together a squad of his own after taking over from Gary Norton last month.

Gresley secured a second consecutive 4-1 away win as our pre-season schedule continued at the Welfare ground this evening.

Centre back Marc Strzyzewski opened the scoring after ten minutes when he thumped home a half volley from a Marc Goodfellow corner with technique that any striker would have been proud of. unfortunately for Marc his joy was shot lived as he slid in on Welfares Kyle Rowe, his attempt to reach the ball succeeded but only to jab the ball into the path of Welfare forward Joseph Corrigan who rounded Joe Murrell and tapped into an empty net.
The Moatmen retook the lead eight minutes later when Louis Hamilton headed down Christian Darces's long ball for Royce Turville to prod home.

The fans inside the Welfare ground had to wait until the 80th minute to see the net bulge again, Richard Beale again opted to completely change his team at half time, leading to a somewhat disjointed performance for the first half hour of the second period. despite this the team whirred into life towards the end, Anthony Carney finishing off a fine team move to make a fine first impression on his first appearance for the Moatmen, the winger was played through by a decisive through ball from Jordi Gough to crown an incisive counter attack.
Carney repaid the favour just moments later when his hanging cross wasn't dealt with by the Welfare defence, the ball just eluded Jordan Nadat who stretched out to meet it with his head, however 22 year old Jordi was on hand at the back post to tap in and put the icing on the cake.


Gresley First Half XI



Second Half XI



*Man of the Match

It finished honours even in this afternoons game with old rivals Rocester after a tight encounter at Hillsfield.

It was the Romans who took the lead after just eight minutes when Sam Griffiths pounced upon a lose ball on the edge of the Gresley penalty area when the defence failed to clear their lines.
Marc Strzyzewski levelled the score in the 33rd minute, Mickey Lyons's free kick found the big centre half perfectly as he chested the ball down before lashing home a half volley for his second goal in as many games.

The second half didn't produce many chances, the best opportunity fell to Jordi Gough who fired into the side netting after jinking through the Romans defence. In hindsight a draw was probably a fair result as the Midland Alliance side held their own against us.
Next up the Moatmen head to neighbours Ellistown for the last of our pre-season way trips before we welcome Nuneton and Burton to the Moat in the final two friendly's.




Gresley First Half XI



Second Half XI



*Man of the Match

Gresley maintained their unbeaten start to pre-season with a straight forward win over nearby Ellistown.

Midfielder James Jepson opened the scoring after twenty minutes after Micky Lyons nodded Marc Goodfellow's cross into the former Hucknall and Rainworth MW star's path which the 30 year old coolly slotted into the net.
Goal number two came shortly before half time courtesy of Ellistown goalkeeper Nedjet Burton-Jones, the keeper came to try and catch a Goodfellow cross but wound up flapping at it under pressure from Jordan Nadat and inadvertently punching the ball into his own net.

Today's result concludes our away fixtures for this years pre-season schedule, next week we welcome Conference outfit Nuneaton Town before Burton Albion make the short trip up the road to the Moat for a derby clash.




Gresley First Half XI



Second Half XI



*Man of the Match

Good start mate. Liking the style of your updates and the Twitter one was a nice touch

Nuneaton came from behind to run out winners in a tight encounter at the Moat this afternoon.

There was cause for concern amongst the Moat faithful when star winger Marc Goodfellow was stretchered off after 23 minutes clutching his knee, thankfully the medical staff were able to confirm after the game that the injury was not as serious as it first appeared and the former Stoke and Swansea wide man should be fit to face another of his ex-employers Burton next weekend.
Gresley rallied behind Marc by taking the lead less than two minutes later when newly appointed captain Mickey Lyons drove forward before unleashing a powerful effort from the edge of the Nuneaton penalty area which nestled into Town goalkeeper Ben MacNamara's net.

Richard Beale's men took their narrow lead in with them at half time, however our guests from the Conference were level within three minutes of the restart when Wes York floated a hanging cross over the penalty area which marauding left back Tom James struck venomously on the volley from a tight angle, beating George Woodward at his near post.
Eight minutes later Town completed the turn around Ben Ford whipped in an accurate corner for defender Gavin Cowen to meet with a powerful header which proved to be the winner.



Gresley First Half XI



Second Half XI



*Man of the Match

In an exclusive interview with gresleyfc.co.uk manager Richard Beale revealed how he is excited by the prospect of facing local rivals Burton this Saturday as we complete our pre-season commitments against Gary Rowett's men and how he sees the Brewers rise into the Football League as an ideal blueprint for our own future.

Beale was quick to praise the work done by the Brewers board in helping the club rise from step four to being a leading candidate for promotion to nPower League one this season in the space of a decade. "Burton are fantastic model for how all clubs at our level should be run" says Beale; "Their management has real vision which was realised in building the impressive [Pirelli] stadium (which opened in 2005), they maintain a strong fan base despite much of the town favouring Derby, Forest, Leicester or one of the Birmingham teams, which really helped them out financially in building a squad and facility's worthy of league football"

The men in yellow will make the six mile journey up the A444 for our clash at the Moat this Saturday with a full strength side as two old rivals lock horns once again. The last competitive meeting between the two was a heavy defeat for the Moatmen in the 2007 Bass Vase final where they were hammered 5-1 by Nigel Clough's men, the last time the two sides competed at the same level was in the Dr. Martins Premier division back in the 1998/99 season with Burton finishing 13th and Gresley relegated.

If you can't get down to the Moat this Saturday stayed tuned to gresleyfc.co.uk for a full match report from the big game!

Liking this style of updates mate.

The gap of five divisions separating Burton and the Moatmen was evident for all to see this afternoon as Gary Rowett's Brewers looked in total control, securing victory in this National forest derby at a canter.

Gresley rarely caused their visitors an problems and disappointingly failed to hit the target with a single effort despite just about edging the possession split 51-49%.
The League Two side went ahead when striker Adi Yussef brought down Lee Bell's in swinging corner with an impressive first touch before firing the ball past Joe Murrell from four yards out in the 14th minute.
The second arrived in the 38th minute when defender Dan Douglas failed to clear his lines effectively under pressure from Chris Palmer, Dan's clearance fell straight to Bell who immediately looped a ball into the box for an unmarked Yussef to tap in his second of the afternoon.

Gresley improved somewhat in the second half and began playing some sleek football, however Burton always had the situation under control as they sat back and contained the situation throughout.
Richard Beale's men will need to get over this disappointment quickly as we gear up for the opening league fixture against Market Drayton Town next Saturday.



Gresley First Half XI



Second Half XI



*Man of the Match