Month: September 2017

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Weekly News Update

So, after selling the majority of your best players and a summer of little investment before finally patching a squad together a month into the season, the Championship was always going to provide a stern test, and so it is proving. City so nearly rewarded their long suffering travelling fans at Reading last Saturday however a late equaliser meant our winless away run was extended to what feels like an eternity. If we are clutching at straws the last time City went on a run like this they ended it with a victory at Norwich City, our next away fixture, before going on to set a longest away streak unbeaten club record. Here’s hoping history repeats itself! City were again victims of a late goal on Tuesday when Preston North End left the KCOM with all 3 points to inflict a second home defeat of the season on the Tigers. In truth it was a dismal performance and City must turn around this poor form quickly. Birmingham City are the visitors on Saturday and they provide the opportunity of doing just that, however no games will be easy at the moment. Here’s your update from the Trust this week…
 
 
“Pricing Out A Generation”: Concessions fight at KCOM rumbles on
As you will be aware, over the last couple of months the Trust has been in contact with the EFL over establishing whether or not they have an enforceable concession rule.
As reported last week this is not the case and therefore HCST has engaged the help of the FSF to try and bring about a rule change where clubs have to offer concession pricing. You can read a fantastic article by the FSF here here where HCST chairman Geoff BIelby shares his thoughts on the matter.
Lord Mayors Centenary Plaques Unveiling
As we have mentioned previously, HCST has been working with Hull City Council on commemorating three Hull City legends with Centenary Plaques so their contributions can be forever remembered.
We can now reveal the unveiling will take place this Saturday (30th September) at 11:30am at the Tiger Rags exhibition in The Streetlife Museum on High Street.
Family members of all three players (Billy Bly, Raich Carter and Andy ‘Jock’ Davidson) will be present, as will Ken Wagstaff and Malcolm Lord.
Please note that there is very limited space inside the Streetlife Museum so it may not be possible to fit in all that would like to attend.
 
HCAFC (Hull City Action For Change)
The HCAFC group will be holding their first meet on Saturday ahead of the Birmingham game.
They will be meeting at the William Gemmell Social Club on Anlaby Road from 12:30. There will be entertainment from Vinnie Whitehead, a guest speaker from Supporters Direct, KCOM Groundsmen update and the unveiling of a giant flag.
 
 
Hull City Ladies
After their 5-1 drubbing of Leeds United Ladies last week, City Ladies are back in action on Sunday in a top of the table clash against Liverpool.
The match it at the Hull University Sports Ground on Sunday with a 2pm kick off. Why not head down and give the girls some support.
 
Hull City U23’s v Burnley U23’s
City’s under 23 development side took on Burnley at North Ferriby on Monday.
Those that went were treated to a competitive match which neither side could produce the final bit of quality to break the deadlock. Still keeping a clean sheet is never a bad thing and the team are in good form now playing some pleasing on the eye football. Adam Curry made his return from a ten month injury lay-off, hopefully he can put that behind him and we wish him well for the coming months. You can read the full report on the match here.
Development action this week takes place on Saturday when the under 18 squad take on Nottingham Forest at Bishop Burton College. Kick-off is at 11:30 and the side will be hoping to build on the 0-1 victory at Leeds United last Saturday.
Amber Nectar
More wisdom from our friends at Amber Nectar.
Please follow these links for the latest  Podcast and  Things We Think We Think.
 
Hull City Fans Forum on Hull Kingston Radio
More fan-focused chat hosted by Ian Waterson.
You can listen to the latest programme here.
 
Tigers Down Under
The latest podcast from our antipodean friends.
Please follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

HCST’s Partners of the Week 
In this week’s Partner of the Week section, we have an in-focus look at two HCST partners – Circle 87 Café & Rob McFadyen Advanced Driving Instructor

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Our first partner of the week is Circle 87.

441 Anlaby Road, Hull, HU3 6AP
FREE TEA/COFFEE/HOT DRINK WITH ANY FOOD PURCHASE
A unique café, made for matchdays.  Cooking up quality food and serving a variety of local beers. The best place to east before Hull City matches and literally 5 minutes away from the KC. Excellent breakfast, golden triple cooked chips and exceptional burgers. Travelling to see City away? Come and see us before the buses leave the KC Stadium. Our Travelling Tiger Club opens two hours before the buses leave on most occasions.  See our Website or our Facebook page for details. Keep an eye out for other exclusive HCST offers throughout the season.
Our second partner of the week is Rob McFadyen Advanced Driving Instructor.
Tel 07773 877451 Email Facebook
FIRST FIVE LESSONS FOR £65, THEN 10% OFF STANDARD LESSON RATES
Rob is an Independent Driving Instructor based in Hull. He prides himself on offering well structured, tailored lessons to suit the needs of the pupil, in a patient, friendly & punctual manner.  As a lifelong City fan, Rob is proud to be a member & partner of The Hull City Supporters’ Trust.
Merchandise Offer
This week we are bringing you a new offer on HCST merchandise. You can now purchase a HCST pint glass for just £5 (previously £6.50!) plus postage and packaging. Order from our shop here.
Stop the front page!
HCST are looking for new contributors to our website.
These can be articles about football in general, all things Hull City or match reports. So if you’re a sports journalist in the making or just fancy giving it a go as a hobby please let us know – you don’t need to be a professional – all articles will be welcome. There’s no requirement to produce words every week or month, just as and when you are able to. If you are interested please email contact@hullcityst.com 
 
Membership
Sign up or renew your membership of the Hull City Supporters’ Trust here
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Match Report: Hull City U23’s v Burnley U23’s

Hull City u23 v Burnley u23

Professional Development League

Eon Visual media Stadium

25 September 2017

City’s under 23 development side were coming into this match following back to back victories against Cardiff City (1-2 away) and Coventry City (2-1 home) and hopes were high that it could be three games on the trot. The game was very competitive but with neither side able to break the deadlock it ended 0-0.

The match saw the return of Adam Curry after a ten month injury lay off and allowed Robbie McKenzie to move back to midfield to take the place of suspended James Weir. Adam got a good 45 minutes under his belt and was replaced at half time by Tom Dyson, with Robbie McKenzie reverting to the centre of defence.

The visitors had a famous name on their team sheet with Anders Lindegaard, the former Danish International goalkeeper, between the sticks. Lindegaard probably being best known as a reserve keeper at Manchester United who managed a handful of first team appearances in the four seasons he spent there.

The first half started brightly with both sides playing crisp passing football and creating chances.

Burnley nearly struck first with Callum Burton doing well to push a shot from outside the area, by Harry Limb, over the bar.

Adam Curry got free from his marker and headed a Dan Batty free-kick wide of the post for City. Curry was then given a yellow card when after tracking back he brought down Limb outside the box. Dwight McNeil put the resulting free-kick wide of Burton’s right hand post. Then Curry was back in the action at the other end rising well at a corner only to head wide.

Lindegaard made a number of fairly comfortable saves from Hamilton, Luer and Olley the last seeing great combination work from Fleming, Hamilton and Hinchcliffe.

Burnley made a few decent breaks into the City half, the best seeing Limb waste a good chance from a cross by Ali Koiki from the left.

Tyler Hamilton was having a great game dictating play from midfield and came close with a short that went narrowly over Lindegaard’s bar.

The second half was a scrappy affair with City trying to dictate play and Burnley seemingly happy to contain them and break down play. Consequently there were fewer clear cut chances for either side.

Greg Luer headed a cross wide and Ben Hinchliffe hit a ball which may have been a cross or a shot but these were half chances at best.

The best chance of the half came from Hamilton producing a storming break from the left side of his own half diagonally to the Burnley right beating a couple of defenders and slotting an excellent pass to Greg Luer who sliced his shot wide.

Burnley’s only real chance in the second half fell to Tinashe Chakwana who shot low and wide from the edge of the box.

Batty had the chance to grab a late winner from a layoff by substitute Liam Edwards on the edge of the box but this produced a comfortable save from the experienced Lindegaard.

Overall a good all round performance from the team with Hamilton excelling. A clean sheet is always welcome but if they had shown a bit more composure and quality in the final third there were enough openings to create a victory.

Hull City u23 0 Burnley u23 0

Hull City

Callum Burton, James Yates, Brandon Fleming, Robbie McKenzie, Josh Clackstone, Adam Curry (Tom Dyson 46), Tyler Hamilton, Dan Batty, Greg Luer, Greg Olley, Ben Hinchliffe (Liam

Edwards 75). Unused substitutes: Charlie Andrew, Ellis Barkworth, Tom Powell.

Burnley

Anders Lindegaard, Arlen Birch, Ali Koiki, Mark Howarth (Jamie Thomas 76), Harry Flowers, Oliver Younger, Tunde Bayode (Khius Metz 58), Fredrik Ulvestad, Harry Limb, Tinashe Chakwana, Dwight McNeil (Rahis Nabi 76). Unused substitutes: Aiden Stone, Christian N’Guessan.

Report by Pete Fleming

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Weekly News Update

 A real “game of two halves” on Saturday as City drew 1-1 with Sunderland. A poor first half effort saw Sunderland go into the break ahead however a much improved second half, with a noticeable contribution from David Meyler rescued a point. Whilst we are talking about Meyler, please can people stop singing that ridiculous song! On Saturday we head to Reading looking to end our wretched away form, we wish a safe journey to all fans heading down and hope it is all worth it! Here’s the update from the Trust this week…
Concession Update
On Wednesday we published our update on concessions. The statement in full can be read here.

Since the Premier League ruling two weeks ago we have been in discussions with EFL over whether there is a concession rule they are able to enforce. Sadly this is not the case and therefore we are going to have to campaign for a rule change defining what constitutes a concession and what is an appropriate discount. As always we will keep you up to date with any progress. This bring us on nicely to…

FSF Meeting
On Monday 18th September HCST Director Phil Walton represented the Trust at the Football Supporters’ Federation Meeting in London.

Concession pricing at Hull City was on the agenda and we have the support of many other Trusts in our fight to establish a clear concession rule. We also have the backing of the FSF in this issue and they have confirmed that concessions will be put on the agenda for their meeting with the EFL in October..

HCST Scarves
As you may have seen on Twitter and Facebook we have a successor to the “City till we Die” scarves released.

These have already proved to be very popular with many orders already received. Priced, if we may say, very reasonably at £5 plus postage & packaging (£2 UK) there’s no excuse not to be putting your order in here.

Hull City U23’s Match Review
Thanks to those fans that stayed behind at the KCOM on Saturday to watch the U23s development side take on Coventry City U23s after the Hull City versus Sunderland fixture.

Jon Beale said, on the club website, that both he and the team appreciated the support.  The game itself was an entertaining affair which produced a second victory of the season; 2-1 with goals coming from Greg Olley and Greg Luer.  This did not reflect the dominance of the home side and the victory should have been more comfortable.

The next outing for the development side is on Monday 25 September when they take on Burnley U23s at the Eon Visual Media Stadium in North Ferriby.  Kick-off is at 19:00 and admission is free to season card members, otherwise £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.  Again we encourage Trust Members to go and watch the ‘next generation’ who are playing some excellent football.

Memorial Plaques Update
As mentioned last week arangements are progressing for the unveiling of the Lord Mayors Centenary Plaques commemorating Billy Bly, Raich Carter and Andy Davidson contributions to the City.

Trust Chairman Geoff Bielby has been working with Hull City Council on this project and can now reveal the official unveiling will be at the Tiger Rags exhibition in The Streetlife Museum on Saturday 30th September at noon. Family members of the recipients will be attending as will former players.

Amber Nectar
More wisdom from our friends at Amber Nectar.

Please follow these links for the latest Podcast and  Things We Think We Think.

Hull City Fans Forum on Hull Kingston Radio
More fan-focused chat hosted by Ian Waterson.

You can listen to the latest programme here.

Tigers Down Under
The latest podcast from our antipodean friends.

Please follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

HCST’s Partners of the Week
In this week’s Partner of the Week section, we have an in-focus look at two HCST partners – Essence Holistics & Nudge Websites

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Our first partner of the week is Essence Holistics.

Situated at La Luna Wellbeing, 241 Chanterlands Avenue, Hull HU5 4DH.

Contact Corrine on 07809 214453 for an appointment (appointments necessary).

10% OFF ALL TREATMENTS FOR HCST MEMBERS

Essence Holistics offers a wide range of relaxing therapies at competitive prices. Visit our lovely therapy room and relax with Aromatherapy, Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Reflexology and Luxury Holistic Facials. At Essence Holistics we only use high quality products and never use pre-blended oils. Check out our Facebook page for monthly deals. We are registered with the Guild of Holistic Therapists. We look forward to seeing you.

Our second partner of the week is Nudge Websites.

Email: info@nudgewebsites.co.uk Tel. 07557 478 277

25% DISCOUNT ON ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Nudge Websites is a digital and web agency based in Hull, East Yorkshire. We specialize in website design & development, online marketing and digital strategy. We address the real-world needs of business owners with proven (and ethical) methods of generating web traffic, building trust, and ultimately converting your visitors into paying customers.

Merchandise Offer
This week we are bringing you a new offer on HCST merchandise. You can now purchase a HCST pint glass for just £5 (previously £6.50!) plus postage and packaging. Order from our shop here.

Stop the front page!
HCST are looking for new contributors to our website.

These can be articles about football in general, all things Hull City or match reports. So if you’re a sports journalist in the making or just fancy giving it a go as a hobby please let us know – you don’t need to be a professional – all articles will be welcome. There’s no requirement to produce words every week or month, just as and when you are able to. If you are interested please email contact@hullcityst.com 

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Weekly News Update

Another week has passed and two more defeats have been suffered. A very forgettable Friday night in Derby was followed by an improved performance against Fulham on Wednesday however there was no improvement in the result. City have lost 4 out of their last 5 games now and a lack of preparation during the summer seems to be taking effect as City at times defensively look like a bunch of strangers rather than a well drilled unit. Hopefully Leonid Slutsky will be able to deliver an improved performance on Saturday, but more importantly a positive result, as another defeat could see City on the periphery of the relegation zone. Not that anything is decided at this stage of the season, however it is never a nice place to be. Here’s the update from the Trust this week…
HCST Statement re Premier League Rule Breach
On Friday the Premier League issued its verdict on Hull City’s concession pricing issue. The ruling was that Hull City breached Premier League Rule 8 by not offering concessionary tickets to senior citizens or junior supporters.

City have agreed that, should the club be promoted, they will offer 10% of match tickets at a 10% reduction. HCST doesn’t feel this is a sufficient outcome and will continue to push for meaningful concessions for junior, senior citizens and disabled supporters with the EFL. You can read our full statement here.

It is quite unbelievable and very sad that it has taken a Premier League investigation to force Hull City to offer concession pricing to supporters that have followed the club for decades and those that are the future of our club.

City were also in trouble with the Independent Football Ombudsman on Friday due to their failure to deliver promised “rewards” for supporters signed up to the membership scheme. Perhaps the most damning part of the report was as follows “it is unacceptable and unprecedented for a club not to cooperate with the IFO”. Again this shows the contempt which Hull City’s current ownership show to both the authorities and supporters.

Hull City Council Meeting
On Tuesday 12th September Pete Fleming (Treasurer) and Geoff Bielby (Chairman) met Councillor Stephen Brady and Matt Jukes (Hull City Council Chief Executive) at Hull Guildhall. This was in part the annual meeting between Stephen Brady and the HCST Chairman which was started by the inaugural Chairman Mark Gretton.

It was decided to include Matt Jukes as Geoff has been involved in various activities over the Summer relating to the Anlaby Road Tribute (ART Project) and the Lord Mayors Centenary Plaques Project which have both led to ideas and discussions over the KCOM Stadium in the future.

The meeting was cordial and both sides agreed to continue the dialogue.

Memorial Plaques Update
On Wednesday 13th Geoff Bielby returned to the Guildhall for the September Centenary Plaques Panel meeting. The three former Hull City players who will be commemorated with plaques, Billy Bly, Raich Carter and Andy “Jock” Davidson were agreed.

The official unveiling will hopefully be at The Tiger Rags exhibition at The Streetlife Museum later this month. Watch out for further information.

HCST Scarves
As you may have seen on Twitter and Facebook we have a successor to the “City till we Die” scarves released.

These have already proved to be very popular with many orders already received. Priced, if we may say, very reasonably at £5 plus postage & packaging (£2 UK) there’s no excuse not to be putting your order in here.

HCST Ladies Partnership
On the back of our announcement last week as kit sponsors for Amy Halloran from Hull City Ladies, we are delighted to announce a new partnership deal with the club. 

– Adult Trust members will receive a 20% admission discount to all Hull City Ladies home games (Just show your HCST membership card)
– Junior Trust members will receive a free season ticket for Hull City Ladies
All their home games are played at the Hull University Sports Ground on Inglemire Lane, Hull.
Their next home game is Wednesday 20th September against Leeds United – 8pm kick off.
We all look forward to any game against our West Yorkshire rivals……..the girls in the team would love your support!

Hull City U23’s at the KCOM
Following on from their first win of the season, 2-1 away at Cardiff City on Monday, the under 23’s next home game will be held at the KCOM Stadium this Saturday against Coventry City in the English Professional Development League.

The fixture is due to kick off at 5pm following the first team fixture against Sunderland. Why not stay behind and get behind the Development side, many of who played so well in the EFL cup tie at Doncaster Rovers last month.

Carol Thomas – Footballer
Following on from the HCST sponsorship of Hull City Ladies Goalkeeper Amy Halloran for the 2017/18 season as highlighted last week, HCST are happy to continue their interest in the women’s game and bring you a fascinating overview of one of Hull’s greatest ever footballers, who just happens to be a woman!

Carol Thomas first played for England in 1974 and became England captain in 1976.  She served her country for more than 11 years, along the way becoming the first ever woman to gain 50 caps and captain England for 50 times.  Sadly, HCST note that, despite a glittering career, battling prejudices and barriers to the women’s game in the 1970’s, the footballing establishment has not acknowledged, recognised or rewarded her for her commitment.

Her links with Hull City AFC run long and deep, with a couple of appearances for England at the old Boothferry Park, training at Boothferry Park with Hull City Minors alongside Andy Flounders and others (coached by Pete Sissons) for 5+ years in the early 80’s and being managed at England level by Martin Reagan (former Hull City winger).  Carol is a valued member of the HCST but like many, relinquished her season pass amid the aftermath of the club’s Membership Scheme.

For a full article on Carol please follow this link on our website.

City of Culture, we know what we are… or do we?
We’re a great city of sport, but is it culture?

Click here for an interesting take on culture from HCST Director Peter Johnson.

City fan reaches new heights.
HCST Member Russell Anson at the summit of Mount Toubkal.

Congratulations to HCST Member Russell Anson who has been flying the Hull City flag at the highest point in North Africa, approximately 4200m above sea level.

Amber Nectar
More wisdom from our friends at Amber Nectar.

Please follow these links for the latest Podcast and  Things We Think We Think.

Hull City Fans Forum on Hull Kingston Radio
More fan-focused chat hosted by Ian Waterson.

You can listen to the latest programme here.

HCST’s Partners of the Week
In this week’s Partner of the Week section, we have an in-focus look at two HCST partners – Harpers Fish & Chips (Beverley) & Hemingway Bailey Ltd

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Our first partner of the week is Harpers Fish & Chips (Beverley).

36 – 38 Lairgate, Beverley, HU17 8EU. Tel: 01482 867148

10% DISCOUNT ON ALL SALES FOR HCST MEMBERS

Harpers of Wetwang have been serving our famous fish & chips from our branch at Lairgate, Beverley for the last 12 months. We offer quality food in a restaurant and takeaway capacity, with a licensed bar and disabled facilities. Located on Lairgate in the heart of Beverley town centre, we are perfectly positioned for people visiting Beverley for the day, as well as the local community. We can accommodate parties of any size, any day of the week.

Our second partner of the week is Hemingway Bailey Ltd.

Hemingway Bailey Ltd, Chartered Management Accountants

01482 679333

10% DISCOUNT ON STANDARD FEES

Hemingway Bailey are Chartered Management Accountants based in Beverley, aiming to provide you with better insights into your business.  We provide the usual tax and accountancy services, with the help and assistance that aids you to improve your bottom line by working closely alongside you throughout the year. We are offering a 10% discount on our standard fees for Hull City Supporters’ Trust members.  Get in touch to find out how we can give you more time and help improve your business.

Merchandise Offer
As part of our pledge to bring you great HCST merchandise offers here’s our latest deal: Luxury Bottle Opener Key Rings (featuring the HCST logo) are now just £3 plus postage! Order from our shop here.

 

Stop the front page!
HCST are looking for new contributors to our website.

These can be articles about football in general, all things Hull City or match reports. So if you’re a sports journalist in the making or just fancy giving it a go as a hobby please let us know – you don’t need to be a professional – all articles will be welcome. There’s no requirement to produce words every week or month, just as and when you are able to. If you are interested please email contact@hullcityst.com

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City of Culture

WE’RE A GREAT CITY OF SPORT
BUT IS IT CULTURE?

As our beloved home city progresses through our stint as UK City of Culture we can find many reasons to be proud. Fireworks, light shows, the Blade, poppies, a giant cheese grater, Ziggy Stardust, fire breathing giraffes, dinosaurs, Turner Prize, Dock Stage, Freedom Festival, Humber Sesh, Arts and Culture galore. It’s been a great success and a huge boost for the city.

But at the end of the day we are rightly proud of what we are. And in Hull we love our sport. We dip into the arts from time to time but for many of us Hull City, Rovers or Hull FC are the focus of our entertainment. For many, these clubs are the centre of our social lives and interest. But why isn’t sport viewed as culture? Surely it should have had a much higher profile in 2017? In addition to the main football and rugby league teams there are numerous local teams with a devoted following and we’ve not seen enough of our great sporting heritage in our special year. The impressive Tiger Rags exhibition in the city’s Streetlife Museum has shone out like a beacon

So perhaps we don’t have the huge tradition of Merseyside, North London or Tyneside. But Hull City has always had a core of supporters who can rival any in the land for their almost obsessive passion and loyalty. Alongside this Hull FC and Rovers each have a large and enthusiastic following and the intense local rivalry helps to define the city’s character as much as the Ferens Art Gallery, Humber Street, King Billy statue, Humber Bridge, The Deep and the rest.

So certainly 2017 has shown Hull is a place where people know how to celebrate and enjoy a party. But for many the magnificent post Wembley homecoming of Hull FC fans this year will overshadow most of the City of Culture events. Certainly Hull City fans will reflect with disappointment that perhaps due to the long standing rift between the Club’s owners and local council, we’ve not been able to celebrate the unprecedented triumphs of recent years as we should have and the low profile of Hull City in our year of culture is an unwanted legacy of this.

So as we look to maintain and sustain the hard work done to put Hull on the map, let’s devote a bit more time to all types of sport at every level. Ebenezer Cobb Morley was born in Hull and wrote the rules for modern day football and was the first secretary of the FA. Football is played by around 270 million people across the world and the last World Cup was watched by over 3 billion fans. It all began in Hull, but because it’s sport, Ebenezer’s amazing story is little known to the Hull public or across the land. That’s madness.

Google tells us culture is ‘the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society’

Well here in Hull we’re a unique working class city and sport is never far from our ideas, customs and social interaction. It’s what makes Hull what it is and we like it that way.

Culture visited us in 2017 and made a lot of us sit up and take a look. But for thousands of Hull people sport is a lifelong companion, a lifelong partner of culture and part of the foundations of our history and heritage. Let’s be proud of it and show it off a bit more.

By Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson is Editor of Hull City Social Media group Tigerlink and is a Director of the Hull City Supporters Trust (HCST)

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Carol Thomas

Today, Carol Thomas still remains the forgotten and overlooked captain of the England Women’s team by the footballing establishment, yet she still remains the most successful and second longest serving captain to date. Her achievements, which would be remarkable even by today’s professional standards, in an era of little funding and scant recognition, can only be described as truly extraordinary. Her willingness to return to the grass roots of the game for over 16 years, under the radar of women’s footballs high level administrators, following a glittering international career and after the birth of her two sons, highlights a true football devotee.

’66 AND ALL THAT

Carol was inspired by the World Cup heroes of ‘66, playing her first competitive football game for local side, BOCM. The shy 11 year old youngster had a boundless appetite for the game. Her talent was soon recognised and she was quickly snapped up by local clubs before joining Hull Brewery and it was there her career took off. She played in a variety of positions, which only served to enhance her all round knowledge and understanding of the game. Overtime, it quickly became evident that those early days had seen her unwittingly assimilate the necessary skills to later become a world class full back, internationally respected throughout the women’s game.

AN ABILITY RECOGNISED

She was soon rewarded with representative honours gaining a regular place in the Hull District representative side and the North of England squad whilst still being a teenager, quickly securing the right back position as her own in both squads.

In August 1974, still only 19, she was invited to Lilleshall to take part in the first coaching course for women run by the England manager. This has to be put into context. Women footballers were still usually met with derision and scepticism, but the thought of a woman football coach was not only uncharted territory but sheer heresy. Coaching was viewed as sacrosanct, being considered fairly and squarely the sole preserve of men. Carol gained her FA Preliminary Badge, one of only three

who passed, thereby becoming one of the first qualified women coaches in England. During the course, the England manager recognised a like-minded footballing brain, with natural ball skills and a deep understanding of the game. It was little surprise that following a successful Regional Trials campaign, she was invited to join the next England squad to play France that November at Wimbledon. Carol made her first appearance coming on as a second half substitute at right back. A second substitute appearance against Switzerland followed, before the right back position was secured. In 1976, just 18 months and 6 caps into her international career, Carol was surprisingly named England captain.

On 31st October 1978, Carol became the first England captain to lead out a side to play on a Football League First Division ground at the Dell, Southampton FC. She introduced her England team to the England manager, Ron Greenwood. A record crowd of 5,471, then saw England beat Belgium 3-0. In 1981 she became the first captain to lead an England women’s team outside of Europe, when they took part in that year’s Mundialito tournament in Japan. At the height of her career Carol turned down offers of full time professional playing contracts in Italy and full time player/coach roles in New Zealand in order to maintain her true amateur status and thereby ensuring a long international career.

In her 11 year England career, Carol became at integral part and then leader of some truly great England squads which in tournament terms has an outstanding record to this day. Maintaining one of the meanest defences in the world, during Carol’s time as captain, in 7 international tournaments over 29 ties, they lost only 5 games (2 of those on penalty shoot outs) and conceded less than a goal a game. The respect that carol had gained is reflected in the fact that she was retained as captain by 4 successive managers, including Martin Reagan (former Hull City winger) and in the process captaining many Hall of Fame inductees.

Described as anything from an uncompromising fullback to cultured defender and everything in between, the truth is she was all of the above and more. Those who watched and coached her knew that she was a true football thinker and intellectual in possession of that perfectly timed and fearless bone shuddering tackle. In an 11 year period Carol only missed one international due to the logistical and financial constraints that the WFA had to operate under! She became the first ever English woman to reach the 50 caps, her 50th being presented by the late Sir Tom Finney, finally playing in 56 of England’s first ever 63 internationals.

HOME BIRD!

At club level, Carol had to follow where the footballing competition was the strongest, yet within a realistic travelling distances from her home town. These were the days of true amateurism, holding down a full time job during the week, training as many times as possible on weekday nights and playing on a weekend, paying all their own expenses!

She was fortunate to be allowed to train with the Hull City Minors (men’s under 18 level) alongside future professionals such as Andy Flounders and others, attaining a very high level of fitness for the then women’s game. She made occasional guest appearances for Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, and for a season played for Preston Ladies, making the trans Pennine journey on the M62 every Friday night and returning late Sunday evening after the game. Also, CP Doncaster Ladies for a number of seasons before finishing her representative career at Rowntree’s Ladies.

INTERNATIONAL RECORD

Carol started her reign as captain in fine style. In the 1976 Pony Home Internationals, England ran out as comfortable winners in a three sided affair against Wales and Scotland. This set a standard for the next 9 years of her captaincy. By 1985, Carol was at the pinnacle of her footballing career. After 2 unsuccessful Mundialito campaigns, and the disappointment of the 1984 European Championship final defeat, she led her England charges to Italy and ultimate victory in that years Mundialito tournament. The creation, development and establishment of the English women’s game was well and truly cemented. A side formed from a ‘disparate band of sisters’, brought together in 1972, to winners of the ultimate world trophy of its day and international recognition, in just over 12 years. Carol had been there for 11 of those years, leading the side for 9 of them.

In all, Carol captained the England side in 7 consecutive tournaments, including three ‘Mundialito’s’ (1981, 1984 and 1985 as winners), three European Championships (1979 as semi-finalists, 1982-84 as runners and 1985-87 before retiring in September 1985) and the 1976 Pony Home Championship (as winners).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCOLADES ……..

By the 1980’s her achievements were finally beginning to be acknowledged, both inside and outside the game. In 1980 she was took part in the BBC’s popular sports show, Superstars. As an ambassador for the women’s game, in 1983 she received the Vaux Breweries North Sportswoman of the Year Silver Star Award.

She was frequently in the local, and national and international media. In 1984 she became the first woman player to be interviewed on national television appearing opposite Frank Bough and Selina Scott on breakfast TV following the 1984 European Championship Final. In 1985 she was awarded the Sports Council Sports Award in recognition of her achievements in women’s football.

Post retirement her achievements were still being recognised. In 1986 she became the first woman footballer to have an entry in the Guinness Book of Records having become the first English woman to gain 50 caps, with entries to follow in subsequent years.

RETIREMENT ? OR CORINTHIAN ?

In 1985, having successfully led her England team to three straight victories in the 1985-87 UEFA Cup, at the age of 30 and 11 years of international football, Carol finally retired from the football scene to have her first child. However, for this football fanatic, it was never going to be for long. In 1993, 5 years after the birth of her 2nd child, she was persuaded out of ‘retirement’ to help local side AFC Preston. The ‘Corinthian’ arrangement was quickly dropped as the football bug once again bit. On becoming a regular player, she helped with coaching and team selection and was always heard encouraging and developing those around her. Meanwhile she set up a soccer club for youngsters aged 5 to 10 years old in her village for the local children of the surrounding area.

Her ability and reading of the game had not been lost and was soon to be recognised again when the East Riding County FA created its first women’s representative side in 1995. Although aged 40, she was a natural selection for the captaincy of the side. She remained playing at this level until 2002,

when a second retirement followed. In 2004 she was again asked to be involved in the building of a new side, Bransburton Ladies. In 2009, she finally hung up her boots aged 54!

In reality she has never really left the game she loves. Despite being an avid fellwalker and long distance trekker/mountaineer in many far off countries, Carol has made several more appearances at footballing events to promote the women’s game. She appeared alongside Mike White in Radio Humberside’s SportsTalk programme, the National Football Museums ‘Suffragettes of Football’ event sponsored by the BBC and last month at the FA’s Women’s Football Awards ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, presenting Jodie Taylor the major award of the night, the Vauxhall England Women’s Player of the Year 2017.

LASTING LEGACY ……

It is not difficult to put into words her footballing achievements. In pure domestic terms, trophies were confined locally, as the national competitions were dominated by the footballing powerhouses based in the north-west and south of England. This reflects the deep loyalty she possesses with regard to the local teams and individuals she respects and to those who have helped and stood by her throughout her career. It is safe to presume that top teams anywhere in the world would have welcomed her into their ranks.

Her international achievements need little elaboration as they speak for themselves. They surpass those of any of her predecessors and of her generation but equal many of those of the modern era. During her career at international level she became the second England captain at the age of 21, widely respected and accepted throughout the women’s game as one of the best defenders in the world, gaining a number of very significant firsts in the English women’s game over an11 year period.

It is also safe to say that many local youngsters got their first experience of organised football through her local club, whilst many women players and teenage boys benefited from her coaching and guidance both on the pitch and from the touchline.

However, it is the off field role that she perhaps had her greatest and unquantifiable impact for the women’s game, leaving a genuine but little acknowledged legacy. As captain, she was a central figure representing international and regional players (particularly the North) during the transition of the fledgling organisation created in 1972, the amateur based WFA (which was given scant respect or regard by the FA, a shoestring budget and run by a band of tireless, unpaid volunteers, administrators and unsung heroes) into the emerging, and now fully backed, properly financed, media savvy, professional organisation of the current day.

For nearly 10 years Carol was the public face of the women’s game. She promoted the game with pride, passion, dignity and no little skill through her many media and function appearances at local, national and international levels, which continue to this day. She led England with a quiet, steely determination to succeed whilst displaying tact and diplomacy in her role. With these qualities, it could be said that she provided the blueprint for every future England captain. However, above all else, she always ensured that her performances on the pitch were her most important asset, responsibility and gift to the women’s game.

Article kindly provided by “A Trusted Source”.

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Hull City Ladies Number One!

We are delighted to announce that HCST are the proud sponsor of Hull City Ladies goalkeeper Amy Halloran for their 2017/18 season.
Hull City Ladies are the leading female football club in the area and were recently promoted to the FA Women’s Premier League.
Like many ladies teams, they receive no official support from their namesake professional football club and are heavily reliant on sponsorship support to operate. HCST’s partnership for the new season fits perfectly with our purpose of benefiting the local community.
Home games are played at the Hull University sports ground located on Inglemire Lane, usually with a Sunday 2pm kick off time and new supporters will always be welcome.
Geoff Bielby, (HCST Chairman), and Richard Mathers, (Secretary), are pictured with Amy and her playing kit and we wish both her and the team best wishes for their forthcoming season.