On a somber note, there’s recent sad news that the good man and Bury Relics player, Jerry S, passed away. As a little tribute, Jerry’s power stride is shown as the main picture for this report (See).
Bury Relics over 70s were spring and autumn champions in the GMWFL league in 2022. Could they maintain that superiority in the spring 2023 season? The final day of fixtures in December was sensational! Relics were ahead of Rochdale just on goal difference at the start of play, and managed to maintain that advantage by first mirroring results and then drawing the final game against Rochdale to win the league. Absolutely phenomenal! Is it possible this season can be as exciting as the last? Let’s see.
Blackpool Senior Seasider’s versus Bury Relics Over 70’s
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 0-0 draw.
Goals: no goals in this game.
Result; Blackpool Senior Seasider’s 0 – 0 Bury Relics Over 70’s
Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Tameside
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 2-0 win to Bury.
Goal: anticipation, a quick interception and a smart finish by Jomo to make it 1-0, click-here.
Goal: Jomo passes to Wayne in space, who then fires a low shot to score for 2-0, click-here.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 2 – 0 Tameside
Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Manchester Corinthians
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 0-0 draw.
Goal: no goals in this game.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Manchester Corinthians
Bury Relics Over 70’s versus Rochdale AFC Strollers
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 0-0 draw.
Goal: no goals in this game.
Result; Bury Relics Over 70’s 0 – 0 Rochdale AFC Strollers
All of the games from today’s fixtures finished goalless, except for Bury’s and Blackpool’s wins against Tameside. Bury scored twice and Blackpool only once, meaning Bury are currently top of the league on goal difference. Although some of the players came off saying their play had been rubbish, watching the videos showed that Bury battled competitively and tried to play good football. Of note, in the first game versus Blackpool, Bury went from 0 to 4 fouls within a few minutes! Also in the Blackpool game, John W had a great shot, where he moved from left to right across the area, some distance out, and arrows a shot heading right towards the top corner. Alas, their keeper makes an equally spectacular high/diving save. And Eddy makes 2 good saves himself: one against Blackpool, and another against Rochdale. The goals are also good, and all can be seen on the videos above. Ken provided a comedy moment, insisting Eddy needed to put on an orange bib for the Rochdale game, despite him already sporting a bright orange goalie top (to be fair to Ken, it was hidden under his coat at the time). Thanks to the squad and staff on the day: Players Eddy (GK), Dave M, Bob, Tex (C), Wayne D, John M (Jomo) and John W. Staff: Ken, Sir Pat and Keith S. The Relics were backed up by good supporters: Keith H, Keith B and his friend Jack. Report and drunken camera work by Dr. John.
Tex gets England call up
Following a successful trial at Redditch United’s ground on 19th February, Relics player Tex O’Rourke has capped off a fantastic 12 months with a call up to the England Walking Football Community (EWFC) over 70’s squad.
In the past 12 months Tex has captained the Relics over 70’s team to back-to-back league titles, winning the Greater Manchester Walking Football League (GMWFL) over 70’s title in both the spring season (March to June) and autumn season (September to December). Tex also captained the Relics over 70’s to the Walking Football League Alliance (WFLA) Champions Cup win on 11th June, and was voted Bury Relics Player of the year for 2022.
Chris Christian, the England (EWFC) over 70’s manager commented on Tex’s performance in the trial game, “From my point of view I saw many positive aspects of the game you carried out to a very high standard and I would love to work with you at our future sessions and know you will be a real asset to the squad.”
Tex said
“Being a Farnworthian l would like to mention how proud I am to follow the foot steps of Tommy Banks, and Alan Ball.” “Also, I would like to thank everybody at the Relics for their support, encouragement, and friendship”
Tex becomes the second player from the Relics to be selected for England following Keith Bibby’s selection for the England Parkinson’s Walking Football squad in July 2022
Jerry Shuttleworth
We are sad to report the death of Relics player Jerry Shuttleworth on 22nd February 2023.
Jerry was a respected and admired member of the Relics squad and was a key member of the Relics over 70’s team that had such a successful Spring 2022 season, winning the Greater Manchester Walking Football League (GMWFL) over 70’s title on 2nd June 2022 and the Walking Football League Alliance (WFLA) Champions Cup on 11 June 2022.
Jerry’s last appearance for the Relics was in the GMWFL over 74’s tournament on 18th July 2022.
The funeral will take place on Tues 28th March 2023 at St Leonard’s Church, Middleton.
GMWFL Over 70’s Champions.
Jerry front right
WFLA Champions League Winners
Jerry front left
Relics President Keiran Tilley summed up the feelings within the club ..
Jerry was not only a good footballer but a thoroughly decent guy and will be sadly missed by all connected to Bury Relics.
Relics President Keiran Tilley
Our sincere condolences go to Jerry’s wife Margaret, his family and friends.
Presentation Night 2023
Six trophies, England call-ups, and a Commonwealth Games Baton carrier. There was a lot for the Relics to celebrate from 2022, the first full year of league action since the COVID outbreak.
Over 50 people, (players, family, and friends) attended the 2023 Presentation Night on Friday 27th January 2023 at Radcliffe Boro FC to celebrate the two GMWFL 2022 seasons and the other successes throughout the year.
It was the usual entertaining evening, with music from the Relics trio ‘Hat Trick’ comprising JoMo, Dr John, and Norman Moot aka Iain D, good food, and good company culminating in the award of the trophies.
Player of the year for the over 60’s Stripes went to goalkeeper Eddie Ford, Over 60’s Whites went to Keith Swain, over 65’s also went to a goalkeeper, this time Gaz Sweeny, and the over 70’s award went to President Keiran Tilley. A special Unsung Hero award went to Keith Swain for all that he does in the background.
Overall Player of the Year went to Tex O’Rourke who has had a terrific season captaining the over 70’s team to back-to-back GMWFL leagues titles in 2022 winning both the Spring Season, and the Autumn Season over 70’s league titles. Tex’s year culminating in a call up for England trials to take place in February 2023.
Congratulation Tex.
Synopsis of 2022 from President Keiran Tilley
As I look back on the season 2022 it is with a great amount of pride in what we have all achieved at Bury Relics Walking Football Club.
We have had a terrific first full season since 2019 due to Covid. Results wise we’ve collected an amazing 6 trophies between the teams which is no mean feat, but I think it’s a lot more than that. We have a really good set of lads who get on well in the main but also who look after each other both on and off the pitch which is great to see.
We are really well respected by the officials of ( GMWFL) and I have been told by them several times this year that we are the best run club in the league. Also our opponents respect us for the way we conduct ourselves and the way we play the game itself. We have used over 36 players in league matches this season as we now have four teams in all.
What we do is of course about walking football but I believe it’s much more than that. We socialise together and have several well attended events such as Golf days, curry nights and of course our brilliant presentation evening. All these events bring us closer together and I must say the comradery is brilliant, please keep it going guys.
Other things I definitely feel deserve a mention are:
- Keith Bibby’s selection for the England Parkinson’s Walking Football team in July.
- Sir Pat’s selection to carry the commonwealth games Baton in Bolton in July
- Also Tex being recently selected to go for trials for the England over 70’s walking football team in February 2023 an excellent and deserved recognition.
So things are looking good for the Relics. Let’s all work hard together to keep up the standards and keep improving Bury Relics for us all.
I’m looking forward to the 2023 season together.
Tex selected for England trials
Congratulations to Relics over 70’s Captain, Tex O’Rourke, who has been selected to take part in trials for the England over 70’s walking football team.
Tex has had an excellent 2022, leading the Relics over 70’s to back-to-back League titles in the Greater Manchester Walking Football League winning the Spring 2022 and Autumn 2022 titles.
Best wishes go to Tex from all at the Relics for the trials, which take place at Redditch United Football Club on Sunday 19th February 2023.
GMWFL – Autumn 2022. Relics 65’s finish on a high
12th January 2023. The GMWFL Over 65’s Autumn season was extended from December 2022 to 12th January due to frozen pitches in December. However the weather today was atrocious, more suited to fish than football, with dull grey clouds and heavy rain, not enjoyable for players or spectators.
The Relics started the day in second spot in the table, unable to catch unbeaten Kingsmaid who had dominated the season. Relics were in a strong position to finish as runners up being 5 points ahead of 3rd place Corinthians.
The first game was against Corinthians, and the weather took its toll as both teams struggled to get control of the ball and play with any rhythm. Bothe teams had chances but none were put away. Final score 0 – 0
The second game saw the Relics come to terms with the weather a bit better and dominate opponents Preston with some good pass and move play and plenty of shots, which, on another day, could have resulted in at least one hat trick from the Relics team. However Preston managed to keep the Relics out. Final score 0 – 0
Next came unbeaten, champions elect, Kingsmaid. the Relics had an early set back when the ref deemed that Gaz had strayed out of his area and awarded a penalty to Kingsmaid. The penalty was struck hard and low down to Gaz’s right hand post, but Gaz had the shot covered as it sped past the outside of the post.
As the weather got clearer for a short while, the football improved. With Tony G keeping the dangerous Kinsmaid number 77 quiet, and the Relics having the majority of possession it looked like the game was going to end without any goals, however following a skirmish on the edge of the Kingsmaid area the Relics were awarded a penalty as a Kingsmaid player had stepped into the area. As JoMo stepped up to take the spot kick the ref stopped the game for Kingsmaid to make a substitution. Was this gamesmanship to try to put JoMo off his task? If it was, it failed because JoMo fired the ball into the roof of the net. 1 – 0 to the Relics. Relics were playing keep-ball now and as Graham was tackled about halfway inside the Kingsmaid half, he came out with the ball and fired a right foot shot into the bottom corner to make the final score 2 – 0 to the Relics. A great performance from the Relics inflicting the first defeat of the season on Kingsmaid.
Final game of the season was against struggling Rochdale, but Bury v Rochdale games are never easy. The Relics had a number of chances and broke the deadlock following a great cross field pass from Tex in the right back position to Alan B on the left who took one touch and fired a right foot shot into the bottom right hand corner.
Final score Relics 1 – Rochdale 0
The Relics 8 point haul on the day ensures a runner up spot in the league and another addition to the trophy cabinet.
A massive “well played” to everyone, Gaz in goal, making some fine saves Pete Shev, Tex, and Tony G solid at the back, Alan B and JoMo linking up well with Graham up front. Also well done to team manager “Sir” Pat. And thanks to the supporters that turned up in horrible conditions.
For all the Greater Manchester Walking Football League Autumn fixtures and results see the Match Centre page here …
Friendly fixtures Jan / Feb 2023
Please note the dates for your diaries for pre season friendlies as below …
- Preston Walkers ….. At Heywood, last week of January 11-00 AM K/O (probably Thursday) over 60/65’s to be confirmed.
- Salcom ….. Thursday 9th February 11am till 1pm (2 hr session ) at Salford for a mixed 60/65’s side plus a 70’s side. Squads to be announced later.
- Burnley Clarets ….. Thursday 23rd February 2023 10am till 12noon (2hr session )
- for 60’s 65’s and 70’s teams. Squads to be announced later.
- If anyone is unavailable for any dates please notify Kieran so that alternative arrangements can be made as necessary.
All pre season friendlies will be added to the 2023 fixture list as and when they become available.
GMWFL Autumn 2022 – Relics over 60s Stripes finish third in division 5
Date; December 21st 2022. The over 60’s Stripes team were very close to finishing runners up in the Spring, just missing out by a single goal. Then, they amassed 13 points from 12 games but today they were sitting in third position on 8 points, only 2 points ahead of bottom placed Wakefield. So, there was the dual potential for Bury Relics Stripes to either finish bottom of the pile, or, with a sensational set of results, finish in runners up position.
Turning up on the day, it was bright sunshine but with a chill in the air. Bury players were warming up, whilst supporters were chatting together. As KO approached, there was an announcement; the Wakefield team was stuck in a several miles tail-back on the motorway. Therefore, Bury were awarded a walkover by the league. In one way, it was an easy 3 points for Bury, but on the other hand, it is far more fun and sporting to win those points by playing football. Discussions followed and there was talk of a scratch team of subs from Ribble and Bolton clubbing together to give Relics a game but, in the end, the Bury manager of the day, sir Pat the Cat, performed his signature infantry style warm up, including the legendary Penguin shoulder shuffle. And this was followed by a session of 3 vs. 3, of attack versus defence, using one goal with Ed in the nets. This meant Bury would be in the football groove for when it was time for their second fixture, and a Referee even ran this mini-kick about to make it even more realistic.
Bury Relics Stripes vs. Wakefield Wanderers Whites
Pat’s warm up and 3 vs. 3; includes an Ed save and a nice Mike finish, click-here.
The final result was a 1-0 win to Bury (*walkover as no show by Wakefield).
Goal: no goals in this game.
Result, Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 1 – 0 Wakefield Wanderers Whites
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Bolton Wanderers Whites
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 1-0 win to Bolton.
Goal: a tremendous strike, Ed had no chance, click-here.
Result, Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 0 – 1 Bolton Wanderers Whites
Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes versus Ribble Valley WFC
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 1-0 win to Ribble.
Goal: a sharp strike that was low and hard, click-here.
Result, Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 0 – 1 Ribble Valley WFC
Bury Relics Stripes vs. Wakefield Wanderers Whites (Friendly)
The Wakefield team arrived and a 15-minute friendly game was played.
To watch extended highlights of this game, click-here.
The final result was a 1-0 win to Bury.
Goal: an intricate free-kick routine that bamboozled the Wakefield defence.
A great assist by Keith H that was smashed in by Andy R, click-here.
Result, Bury Relics over 60’s Stripes 1 – 0 Wakefield Wanderers Whites (Friendly)
There was a twist of fate: the fact that the walkover for Bury against Wakefield was the same result as the friendly game played. In any case, the end result was that Bury finished third again in the table, collecting 11 points this time around. From a spectator’s perspective, there was some good football coming from the Relics, with good shots from Andy, Keith H, Watford Mark and Mike. Mark T and Pete mostly played defensive today, although Pete’s eyes were watering when he found himself in an advanced position a couple of times to have a shot. Ed made some great saves as well that can be seen in the videos. Mike also showed some great ball control, that on occasion enabled him to weave in and around opponents. Great stuff, and the support was also good, with relatives of Mark T watching, plus Frank, Wayne, Keith S and fast Ken cheering the Relics on. All the players put a lot of effort in today, and the squad consisted: Ed (GK), Mark T, Peter S, Mike, Andy R, Keith H and Watford Mark. Team management and staff: Sir Pat the Cat and Keiren. Report by Dr. John. Happy Christmas.
GMWFL Autumn 2022 – Relics over 70’s Double top for 2022
7th Dec 2022: Following on from their league title success in the GMWFL Spring 2022 season in June 2022, The Relics over 70’s made it Back-to-Back title wins in 2022 by claiming the Autumn Season title on goal difference from Rochdale.
On another tense day at Heywood the Relics over 70’s started the day on top of the table with a 7-goal, goal different advantage over Rochdale, knowing that the Rochdale game was the last game of the day, so the pressure was on to get wins in the other two games,
First game, and the Bury nerves were calmed early in the game when the Relics went ahead in the first 2 minutes with a goal from John W. Relics were playing lovely football with Blackpool hardly getting any possession. Relics were soon 2 goals ahead with that man again John W getting a second goal. Half time 2 – 0 to Bury. The second half continued with the Relics dominating possession. Ed in the Relics goal not having much to do, at the other end the Blackpool keeper was being kept busy with a number of shots the best of which was a shot from Keiran that had the keeper diving to his right to pull off a remarkable save. Relics couldn’t add to the score though, and the final score ended
Blackpool 0 – 2 Bury Rochdale also won their first game 1 – 0
Game two, and another win is required, pressure continues for the Relics. This game followed a similar pattern to the Blackpool game with the Relics playing really well, having the majority of possession and shots. A cracking left foot goal from Bob put the relics in front. Followed soon after by a second goal when the keeper parried a shot to the left edge of the area where Keiran was waiting to pounce, with the keeper advancing out to block Keiran’s shot he passes the ball across the area to JoMo who calmly passes the ball into the empty net. 2 – 0 to the Relics. Relics third came from a pass from JoMo on the right that found Keiran at the edge of the box, he found John W who scored to make it Relics 3 – 0
Final Score Tameside 0 – 3 Relics. Rochdale also won their second game 3 – 0
The final game of the day, the final game of the season. Relics and Rochdale on the same number of points, but the Relics have a far superior goal difference. That didn’t matter now, Rochdale only needed a 1 – 0 win, and the title was theirs. On the other hand, a draw for th Relics would be enough. In a close game the Relics continued to play good football. The game was close, with not too many attempts on goal from either team although the Relics had a scare when Ed blocked a powerful shot onto the outside of his right-hand post which, for a second, looked like it was going to creep behind Ed into the net, but the ball went out for a corner.
Final score Rochdale 0 – 0 Relics and The Relics are back-to-back Champions.
Congratulation to all the Relics involved on the day,: Ed (GK), DaveMo, Bob, Tex, John W, JoMo, Keiran, Keith B, and Manager Ken B. Also to all the supporters that came along.
For all the Greater Manchester Walking Football League Autumn fixtures and results see the Match Centre page here …
