Report

The club, who will be known as AFC Emley, have been officially registered with the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA.

And they could start playing regular football back at the historic non-League venue next season.

The new club will be completely independent from the UniBond League Premier Division strugglers Wakefield-Emley, who put the name of the Huddersfield village on the national football map before leaving the Welfare Ground to set up home in Wakefield in 2000.

Under Football Association rules, the highest rung of the non-League ladder the new AFC Emley could enter is Level VII, the West Yorkshire League, which is one down from the Northern Counties East League, of which the original Emley club were founder members in 1982.

Discussions are set to continue at a meeting tonight between officials of the proposed new club, who are in positive negotiations with Welfare Ground owners, the Emley Miners Welfare Trustee.

The UniBond League club caused major controversy among supporters when officials chose to move the first team to ground-share with rugby league club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats four years ago.

The three-sided Welfare Ground, with its adjoining cricket field, was falling victim to continually tougher FA ground-grading criteria.

Officials knew the Welfare Ground would not meet Nationwide Conference standards if the club were promoted, and were also worried it would fall below UniBond Premier Division guidelines.

In their first season at Wakefield in 2000-01, Emley were pipped for promotion to the Conference by a single point by Stalybridge Celtic.

It was the highest-ever finish to a League campaign by a club who were formed in 1903 and played in the Huddersfield District League before moving up to the former Yorkshire League in 1969.

Since that near-miss season of 2000-01 under manager Ronnie Glavin, who also led Emley to the third round of the FA Cup in 1997-98, when they put up a heroic fight before losing 2-1 at West Ham, the club's fortunes have slumped.

They changed their name to Wakefield and Emley (it has since become Wakefield-Emley) in a bid to attract more supporters from a city which is well known as a traditional rugby stronghold.

But crowds have dwindled and last season they finished bottom of the Premier Division, missing out on a place in the newly-created Conference North division.

Now managed by long-serving Paul David, they are 17th in the 22-club Premier Division.

Wakefield-Emley chairman Peter Matthews said in a statement: "The decision to take our first team matches to Wakefield four years ago is well documented.

"Looking back, the decision was easy to make, however unpopular with the community of Emley and the surrounding district.

"Since then, various people have expressed the hope that first-team football could somehow resume at Emley in view of the existing facilities such as the floodlights, changing rooms, sponsors' lounge, covered seating, terracing and social club.

"For this to be achieved, a brand new club, with completely new officials, would have to be formed and application made for membership of a suitable league, which would hopefully accept such application.

"Recently this idea has received sufficient support for an approach to be made to acquire the facilities at Emley for the benefit of a proposed new football club.

"In principle, the Board of Directors at Wakefield-Emley are not opposed to this approach, subject to terms being agreed.

"However, such terms would not involve selling the name of the existing club nor is the intention to `drop' the name Emley from our trading style.

"The Wakefield-Emley name is synonymous with our 102-year pedigree and history of which we are justifiably proud." 

AN AUDIENCE of more than 200 cheered their approval as AFC Emley officials outlined their plans for the brand new club.

The aim is bring regular first-team football back to the Huddersfield village's historic Welfare Ground.

AFC Emley will be completely separate from UniBond League club Wakefield-Emley, who left the Welfare Ground in 2000.

Richard Poulain, the ex-Wakefield- Emley secretary who is one of those behind the fresh venture, revealed AFC Emley have applied for membership of the West Yorkshire League.

That is on the same level of the pyramid as the West Riding County Amateur League, which includes Huddersfield teams Golcar United, Storthes Hall, Bay Athletic, Marsden and Kirkburton.

AFC Emley have targeted the West Yorkshire League because of travel considerations.

Nostell Miners Welfare currently top their Premier Division and other teams in the top flight include Aberford Albion, Carlton Athletic, Wetherby Athletic and Ossett Common Rovers - all easily accessible from the M1.

Club colours will be sky blue shirts, shorts and socks with maroon trim, and the change kit will be white shirts and maroon shorts.

Ray Dennis, Nicky Bramald and Keith Dyson will be in joint charge of the first team.

Wakefield-Emley have officially resigned their Reserve team from playing matches at the Welfare Ground, with AFC Emley taking up a new 20-year leaseholding tenure.

The Wentworth social club, formerly owned by Wakefield-Emley chairman Peter Matthews, has now been acquired by AFC Emley committee members Dyson and Simon Capewell who will, in turn, make financial contributions to support the new club.

President Adrian Wright said: "Our aim is to bring attractive, regular first-team football back to the Welfare Ground, Emley.

"We have a lot of junior sides on board - Under 19, 17, 15 and 11 - who will all come under our new name.

"We want to provide a real community club for the village, and hope that with public support we can bring successful football back here."

Treasurer Peter Jackson outlined areas of business opportunities and sponsorship packages, which include advertising boards, kit and training top sponsorship deals, matchday and match-ball packages and programme adverts.

He also explained that for £5 a month, supporters can become club members (they would be entered into a free monthly draw for a gallon of beer) allowing the club to budget with more certainty during the first year.

Further details are available from Poulain on 07866-511921 or Jackson on 07901-670924.

Emley Moor Miners Recreation Ground and Institute trustees John Jackson and Bob Mason were present at the meeting.

Jackson said: "We are absolutely delighted with this new football club's plans and initiatives."

AFC Emley officials: President, Adrian Wright; Chairman, Graham Roys; Vice-chairman, Graham Shaw; Secretary, Richard Poulain; Treasurer, Peter Jackson; Executive committee, Ray Dennis, Nicky Bramald, Keith Dyson, Simon Capewell.

New club gears up

May 18 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

PRE-SEASON preparations are well under way at Emley's Welfare Ground.

Officials of the new AFC Emley, who will bring regular first team football back to village for the first time in five years, have been tidying up the site.

The Welfare Ground fell into slight disrepair with damage to seating and the PA announcer's box.

A new floodlight will also be installed along with fencing.

But club officials and volunteers have willingly rolled their sleeves up to spruce up the site in preparation for the start of their inaugural football season.

Talks are also well advanced with a sponsor whose name will be the first to adorn the new club strip, which is currently being designed for production.

The club have applied to the West Yorkshire League and are just waiting for official confirmation of their acceptance next month.

Ray Dennis, Nicky Bramald and Keith Dyson will be in joint charge of the first team which is completely separate from UniBond League outfit Wakefield-Emley, based in the city and managed by former centre-back Paul David.

To offer support or financial backing to AFC Emley, call secretary Richard Poulain on 07866-511921.

AFC Emley will take on Silsden in the first of six Welfare Ground friendlies a week tonight, July 20.

The newly-formed club, who will play in the West Yorkshire League First Division (the middle of three), will then take on Nostell Priory on Monday July 25 and a Town XI on Thursday 28.

The other games are against Ossett Town on Tuesday, August 2, Dinnington on Friday, August 5, and Meltham on Wednesday, August 10.

All six games will have a 7.00 kick-off.

OFFICIALS of AFC Emley have been left "heartbroken" that last night's plum friendly against Town had to be called off.

Heavy afternoon rain left the Welfare Ground pitch waterlogged and the newly-formed club with an agonising decision to make.

The plug was pulled at around 4.15pm with no sign of a let-up in the downpour and Emley secretary Richard Poulain explained:

"It's heartbreaking for all concerned at the club that the match was off.

"We were expecting a decent crowd and, had the game been scheduled for 24 hours earlier there wouldn't have been a problem, but there's nothing we can do about it now.

"The pitch was standing in water at the time we decided to call the game off and it wouldn't have done Town or ourselves any favours to play in those conditions.

"The last thing either of us wants is to pick up injuries at this stage, so it was the right decision."

In addition to team food, Emley were left with 90 pies which had been ordered for sale to spectators.

"We were treating the match as a real showpiece to mark the beginning of our first season, we had lined up a few bits and pieces for Town and we were sure it was going to be a really good night," added Mr Poulain.

"It's a real shame we weren't able to play, especially as our build-up has been going quite well so far."

Emley lost 2-1 to North West Counties League Silsden and drew 2-2 with Kirkburton of the West Riding County Amateur League.

The club, who will play in the West Yorkshire Association League which kicks off on August 17, next have a friendly against Ossett Town at the Welfare Ground on Tuesday (7.00).

Dinnington Town are the visitors next Friday (7.00), while Meltham are lined up to visit on Wednesday, August 10 (7.00).

"We're disappointed we couldn't play last night," said Town manager Peter Jackson, "but we wish Emley every success for this season."

And 10 years later, they enjoyed a memorable march to the FA Cup third round, when they put up a brave fight at West Ham before losing 2-1.

In 2000, they controversially quit the Welfare Ground to move in with Wakefield Trinity
Wildcats Rugby League Club.

While AFC Emley have no official connection, former Emley players Ray Dennis and
Nicky Bramald have teamed up with Keith Dyson to manage the new club.

Dennis, who kept goal in Emley's Wembley side, said: "We've got a good, young, squad of 27 players and we're raring to go.

This is a brand new start for everyone involved and we're really looking forward to it.
"The West Yorkshire League will be totally new experience for us all, but it's one we're going to relish. "It's unknown territory but hopefully we have a squad good enough to compete."

The First Division is the middle of three in the West Yorkshire League, which is
equivalent to the West Riding County Amateur League, which features Huddersfield 
sides Golcar, Marsden, Storthes Hall, Bay Athletic, Kirkburton and Meltham.
It would take AFC Emley five promotions to reach the UniBond Premier Division status of Wakefield-Emley.

"Our aim is to try and progress up the pyramid as quickly as we can but, just as
importantly, we want to entertain and bring enjoyment back to the Welfare Ground,"
added Dennis.

AFC Emley, beaten just once in five friendlies, will be skippered by former
W - Emley Under 18s captain Phil Smith.

Squad: Tim Stephenson, James Mwale, Phil Mann, Joe Pinnock, Ryan Dennis, Adam Day, Joe Washington, Craig Hitchen, Max Joice, Phil Smith, Tom Appleton, Jon Paul Flynn, Chris Prasher, Avron Noel, Lee Maturine, Mel Halford, Jordan Peace.
 

FOUR former W - Emley players are in the AFC Emley squad for tonight's historic home clash with Hartshead (6.15).

Joe Washington, Max Joice, Craig Hitchen and Chris Prasher could all line up for the new club in their first West Yorkshire League Division I game at the Welfare Ground.

Lee Maturine, from District League side Heywood Sports, is also among the 17 from which the team will be picked.

W - Emley begin their UniBond League Premier Division campaign at home to Marine on Saturday.

AFC Emley v Hartshead

THE Welfare Ground rocked last night as senior football once again returned to the historic village base.

New club AFC Emley did not disappoint 152 supporters as they launched into their brand new West Yorkshire League Division I campaign with a vengeance.

Last night's match was not all about the result - although the 7-1 mauling of Hartshead, who finished third in last year's table - was a real positive.

It was just as much about the interest and support generated by local people, new and old, who turned out to witness senior football back at the Welfare for the first time in five years.

Some were there out of curiosity, others to show their approval and appreciation of work undertaken by a passionate committee who finally saw their ambitions fulfilled.

First team football kicked off at precisely at 6.15pm last night and cheers went up as the sport returned to the venue which was put on the footballing map by the former village club now known as W Emley.

One supporter described last night's action stating simply: "Football's finally come home!"

Chairman Graham Roys, who was glowing with pride, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled with the attendance.

"Considering it's such an early kick-off the number of people here tonight is fantastic. It's also been great to see so many old, friendly and familiar faces back here again.

"So much planning, organisation and work has gone on behind the scenes to get ready for this - and it's a very special moment.

"It's a brilliant start and we'll continue to build on this."

AFC Emley captain Phil Smith was the first player to score a League goal for the new club, which he tucked away on six minutes.

In an entertaining, free-flowing and skilful first half, played on a superb pitch prepared by groundsman Raymond Chappell, the goals flowed.

Doubling AFC Emley's tally on 24 minutes was John Paul Flynn with further well-taken goals by Mel Holford (25min), James Mwale (30), Adam Day (68), Chris Prasher (76) and Joe Pinnock (80).

Hartshead, who were reduced to 10 when Neil Dillon was sent off for foul and abusive language, replied through Ciaran Green (50 minutes).

AFC manager Ray Dennis said: "It's great to see many people back at this ground again.

"Our squad is made up of young players and many have never played in front of so many people before and they really rose to the occasion. I was also pleased with the result. This season is full of unknowns, but it's great to get up and running."

Result: AFC Emley 7 - 1 Hartshead

AFC Emley: Tim Stephenson, James Mwale, Ryan Dennis, Joe Pinnock, Phil Mann, Adam Day, Joe Washington, Max Joice (Craig Hitchen 62mins), John Paul Flynn (Avron Noel, 78mins), Mel Holford (Chris Prasher, 62mins), Phil Smith.

Not used: Marcus Paul, Gary Jones.

24th September 2005 AFC Emley's first game in West Yorkshire League Cup

AFC Emley 2  Wetherby Athletic 0 

After the disappointment of last week,the team faced higher league opposition in the League Cup. Almost from the kick off, hearts were in mouths for the crowd of 161, when one of the Wetherby strikers put his shot wide,when presented with an open goal.

Emley knuckled down and there was a keenly contested first half with the teams going into half time at 0 - 0.This could have been different if a penalty had been awarded when Prash was clearly crocked in the penalty area. In the second half Emley started to take control, this was rewarded with a fine goal from Gaz O'Reilly, his left foot strike come lob deceived the keeper who had no chance to make the save.

Emley continued to push forward although Wetherby had their chances and contested throughout. Nerves were calmed 10 minutes from time, when Craig Hitchen produced an exquisite left foot strike from thirty yards,which zipped into the back of the net.

A much better alround performance this week from 1 to 11.

Squad:  Stephenson, Dennis, Pinnock, Hirst, Hitchin, Maturine, O'Reilly, Prasher,  Tomlinson, Flynn, Holford,

Wednesday 5th October AFC Emley's 1st match in the S&HSC 

Maltby Main 3  AFC Emley 0
Sheffield Senior Cup 1st Round

 AFC Emley's involvement in the Sheffield Senior Cup is over at the first hurdle but the scoreline does not do justice to the performance put up against a team who are 3 Divisions above them. 

For 27 minutes of the first half the visitors "bossed" the game. Playing neat football it was hard to tell who was in the higher league. Creating a number of chances only the final shot or header was lacking in finding its target. Joe Pinnock headed over after only 5 minutes, James Tomlinson headed just over following a free-kick by Phil Smith soon after.

Inevitably after so much pressure the home side were bound to create some chances of their own and the first real opportunity came after 28 minutes when Emley's defence stood off from Maltby's Andrew Wood and his shot from 20yards crept into the net at the near post.

This inspired Emley skipper Smith to try an immediate repost. His mazey run started in his own half and following a couple of interchange passes his final shot went agonisingly inches over the crossbar. 

The home side were then gifted 2 further goals in three minutes. In the 38th minute Chris Glarvey's speculatively hit shot from long distance hitting the post and entered th net decieving Emley keeper Wright who thought it was going wide.

Three minutes later Wright then, unusually, spilled another distance shot from Glarvey and Wood nipped in to score his second. 

The second half was virtually played exclusively in the home side's half. AFC Emley hit the post 3 times, the crossbar once, then had a header cleared off the line and substitute Bramald missed an open goal with the home keeper beaten. 

This performance showed grit and tenacity and Emley's travelling supporters, who made up at least half of the crowd of 76, were able to see exactly what progress was being made, on the field, in the first season.

"AFC Emley deserve to be playing in a higher League" was just one of the comments made by Maltby's management team and officials.

Hillsborough date for Emley

WEST YORKSHIRE League outfit AFC Emley will receive a special award at Hillsborough tonight.

A group of players and officials from the newly-formed Welfare Ground club, will be presented with the 100th Charter Standard Award by the Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, during half-time of tonight's England Under 21 match against Poland.

Sir Trevor Brooking is expected to make the special presentation.

Secretary Richard Poulain said: "We are absolutely delighted.

"The award is for both the junior section, comprising Under 12, 14, 16 and 18's, and senior section and is a great stepping stone in our bid to become a community club."

RICHARD Poulain's first taste of football was one for the connoisseur.

He was a schoolboy apprentice on West Ham's books in the 1964/65 season - just before West Ham players Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst helped England to win the World Cup at Wembley a year later. Serious ankle injuries stopped Richard's career at a very early stage, so he took up refereeing. He eventually became a league referee until he reluctantly had to retire when he was 48.

In 1997 he made League history by becoming the first referee to send off five players in one match - the Second Division fixture between Chesterfield and Plymouth.

He was also in charge of the match which officially opened the McAlpine Stadium when Town played the then Premiership champions, Blackburn Rovers.

Never one to rest back, he became the secretary for Emley Football Club in 1996/97 and saw them through the period when they moved to Wakefield and became W Emley Football Club - and also the famous FA Cup third round tie when Emley played his old team, West Ham and narrowly lost 2-1.

Richard resigned the secretary role in 2003 after seven years in the job.

W Emley reserves still played at the Welfare Ground in Emley, but they were due to move to Wakefield this season. Instead, co-managers Nicky Bramald and Ray Dennis came up with the idea to form a new team called AFC Emley, stay at the Welfare Ground and play in the West Yorkshire Association League.

They brought in Richard as secretary and this season has got off to a phenomenal start with seven wins and one defeat. Richard, now 56, has also been secretary of Huddersfield and District Junior Football for the last four years, doing the administration work for 520 teams ranging from the under 7s to the under 18s.

All his secretary posts have been unpaid. So why does he do it?

"I've had so much enjoyment playing football and refereeing I just wanted to put something back into local football," he said. "Sport has been my life and I have to say I love what I'm doing."

Richard works for Milnsbridge-based Stotts Coaches and married Christine 13 years ago. They live in Meltham. Richard has two sons, Jonathan, 28 and Matthew 26. Christine has a daughter, Louise, 28, and son, Mark, 26