With Boots Athletic's Lady Bay Ground now being mainly owned by Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, a number of wide reaching changes are planned over the next few years as Notts aim to make the ground (now known as The Nottinghamshire Sports Club) to premier multi- sports facility in the county.

The UHLSPORT Notts Senior League is to trial a system for submitting teamsheets electronically via e mail. Traditionally, Club Secretaries have filled out the forms manually and posted them in to be checked and reconciled, however, NSL Clubs will have the facility to e mail their teamsheets to John Beeston - a move which will hopefully save them time as well as creating an audit trail.

The following are some of the extremely positive observations of a Groundhopper who attended the UHLSPORT NSL Senior Cup Quarter Final between Calverton MW and Bestwood MW at Hollinwood Lane which demonstrate the progress that Calverton have made in a short period of time. Well done to Pete, John, Viv, Andy and all associated with Welfare from the Management Committee. 

‘I park in the Welfare’s large car park in Calverton. The village is very pleasant- but the surroundings are less than attractive, it is next to a rubbish tip! However the playing surface is immaculate, probably the best pitch in the county? I buy the £1 programme but no admission fee is asked for. The issue contains 24 glossy pages of information about the club and its history, the village and Calverton’s teams. There is an eight page photocopied insert about tonight’s match. In short, this puts many higher league efforts to shame. I pay a visit to the toilets and find the best gents room I have seen at a non- league ground, and bettering most at league grounds too. Clean, fragrant, all equipment present and functioning and a pleasure to use’.

He does, however make one negative comment, which we would like all NSL players, managers, coaches and supporters to take on board ‘An entertaining cup tie but with far too much abuse aimed at the referee for my liking. Not a good example to the young players watching’. 

UHLSPORT NSL side Ruddington United today ended their search for a new first team boss with the appointment of promising young manager Tony Prior .

36 year old Prior, who managed AC Bulwell to the Premier Division Championship of the Notts Amateur Alliance last season, takes over at the Elms Park outfit with immediate effect with his prime objective being to improve on last season’s disappointing league position which saw Rudd finish in the bottom four. Prior, who served both AC and Framesmiths Arms as a player, is delighted with the appointment and very much looking forward to the challenge of bringing stability after a series of recent managerial changes.

‘Ruddington have a great set up behind the scenes and an excellent pitch, therefore we should be able to attract players without too much difficulty’ he said. ‘I have always given 100% and expect the same from players. I want players who are prepared to commit themselves to at least 95% of our games as bringing in those who pick and choose their games is unfair on the regulars. Players not prepared to give this level of commitment are welcome to find other Clubs to play for! I have a couple of players in mind to bring in and will be speaking to them very soon now that the future is more certain’.

Ruddington stalwart and ex- player Barry Sulley is staying on to assist Prior in settling in with a view to starting pre season in the next week to assess the overall playing strength. Any players interested in joining Ruddington are asked to contact the new boss on 07969 483423. Prior paid tribute to AC; ‘I really enjoyed my time there and learnt a lot. I wish them all the best for the future and hope our paths cross again sometime’.

DIY giants B & Q have demonstrated their support for local community football with a generous donation of £5000 of materials to help UHLSPORT NSL side Clifton FC refurbish their Green Lane clubhouse. Club spokesman Neil Hutchinson said "B&Q have been great and their support will really help us continue to provide quality facilities which are widely used by the local community. The lads from the Club are doing all the labour on the project themselves - giving their time free of charge and we expect work to be completed in time for the forthcoming 2005/06 season."

The UHLSPORT NSL Cottee Fibres Fair Play award went to Senior Division outfit Sandhurst with an average mark of 8.84. These marks are awarded by the opposition for sportsmanship both on and off the field of play. In second place were Boots Athletic with 8.50, closely followed by Bestwood MW on 8.41 .

Highest marks in Division One went to Magdala Ams Reserves with 8.78 whilst cup winners Attenborough Reserves totalled 8.56 in second place with Siemens EWS Reserves (8.40) third.

Full List:

Senior Division: 1 Sandhurst (8.84) 2 Boots Athletic (8.50) 3 Bestwood MW (8.41) 4 Magdala Amateurs (8.40) 5 Arnold Southbank (8.34) 6 Attenborough (8.33) 7 Keyworth United (8.28) 8 Cotgrave CW United (8.26) 9 Awsworth Villa & Linby CW (8.24) 11 Calverton MW & Ruddington United (8.20) 13 Clifton (8.18) 14 Siemens EWS (8.16) 15 Kimberley MW (8.14) 16 Notts Police (7.78) 17 Wollaton (7.51)

The UHLSPORT Notts Senior League is to have a new management team for its Representative Side for 2005/06. Steve Clifford of Notts Police and Graham Hunter of Boots Athletic have both stood down due to work commitments to be replaced by two of the brightest prospects in the area namely Calverton's Andy Miller and Chris Munroe who helped guide Wollaton to the double in the NSL's inaugural season.

UHLSPORT NSL side Kimberley MW have announced Alf Stacey and Steve Towle as the new head managerial partnership of their first team, Stacey has vast managerial experience with Boots, Pelican and Magdala, whilst former Notts County star Towle gave distinguished non- league service to 'the chemists' along with the likes of Arnold after quitting the pro game. Last season, the pair were in charge at CML side Sandiacre Town Reserves, guiding them to sixth place in the league.

Commenting on the appointment, KMW Secretary Steve Hobster said 'We believe that this is the best move for the Club. Alf and Steve know the local game inside out and are well positioned to bring new blood to Digby Street. We anticipate losing one or two players over the summer, however the plans we have in place will ensure that these players are replaced and that we begin the new season stronger equipped than we were at the end of the last one'.

CLIFFORD – THE INTERVIEW

As a schoolkid, Clifford played in the same team as ex Notts County & Coventry City hardman Brian Kilcline. Starting out, Clifford enjoyed spells at Santos & County Taverners before forming Bestwood Park Rovers where he played alongside good local talent including the likes of Tony Kelham and Gary Langley. After a spell at Meridian, Clifford followed his old manager Brian Harrison to Central Midlands outfit Nuthall before joining the Police force. Playing in the Thursday League for the Police, Clifford played out his career with high success at Sunday side Thistledown Athletic (a side which contained many from the famous Clifton All White team). After damage to his knee ligaments, Clifford went into the coaching side of the game within the Force, a position he still holds today as Manager of the first team.

Steve, After winning the Notts Alliance title last year, are you rather disappointed that you didn't gain any silverware this time around? "In 2003/04 we won the Notts Alliance Senior League title, the Notts Alliance Senior Cup and the Police Regional Cup. To follow that was always going to be a difficult task. Chris Young (former South Normanton Captain) and Tim Jones retired from first team football, Wayne Bennett left to try his luck at Southwell City and Dean Fenton decided to go to Rainworth MW.  Richard Taylor was hardly used through risk of Injury as he is about to join the Police and I have never known a season like it for injuries. Our injury list would boost any side in the NSL. The list included Neil Smith, Lee Bowditch, Rob Griffin, Karl Thomas, Ed Priestly and James McDonaugh. Many may not be aware but all our players, if not on a rest day, have to take time off or book leave to represent the Force.  Years gone by meant that those chosen to represent the Force would be allocated a number of hours to do so but this is no longer the case and the nature of the job makes players attendance often impossible.  I know I am often heard to moan about selection problems but there can’t be many managers who turn up on a Saturday having been told that half a dozen players won’t be there because they have been called into work or refused time off. In 2003/04 we used a total of 18 players but last season we used twice that figure.  I was disappointed that we didn’t make more of an impression on the NSL but on the whole I am still proud of my players performances last season."

Have you been happy with the standard and setup of the NSL in it's debut season? "I think it’s always difficult to gauge the standard of football as Leagues change so drastically these days.  It’s only 15 years ago that Notts Police were playing in the Alliance Senior League against Hucknall Town.  The Senior Division that year only had 4 other NSL Clubs involved, which included Boots, Keyworth, Clifton and Ruddington.  The remainder of the Clubs involved, like Dunkirk and Clipstone are now playing in other Leagues or disbanded. The NSL has enjoyed a good first Season and I firmly believe that it will only get stronger.  I don’t think there is a great deal of difference between the NSL and the Central Midlands other than the distance Clubs have to travel. In the Senior Cup Wollaton outplayed Dunkirk for much of the game but were unfortunate to lose on penalties whilst we narrowly lost to the same Club with a very weak side. I do believe that its important to introduce promotion & relegation in order to ensure the standard of football improves and the NSL becomes an attractive proposition to Clubs wanting to progress. It’s also important that Clubs strive to improve not only on the pitch but also off it with the upgrading of their facilities."

Your pitch at ROKO from time to time gets slated a lot, is this a concern? is their plans for a venue upgrade / change? "Many may remember that Notts Police played on Carrington Sports Ground before moving to Epperstone Manor.  About five years ago we were told Epperstone was being sold and instructed to find a new ground.  We then enjoyed a couple of years at Calverton MW before having to move to ROKO.  The former civil service ground, although not centrally placed for our Northern based players, was more than adequate during 2003/04.  As time has moved on the pitch and facilities became so poor that I was forced to seek alternative options. I can now proudly announce that we will now be playing our home fixtures at Rolls Royce Leisure.  The ground can boast two excellent pitches, one with floodlighting and a cracking clubhouse, which will allow us to entertain all visitors in the correct manner."

What are your & your clubs ambitions for next season? "Like all Managers I want success on the field for both of our teams.  We not only play in the NSL but also compete in the Police National Cup where we face such teams as the Met Police and West Midlands.  Recent recruits will now mean I will be able to field a stronger side in this Competition and I would dearly like to win that Cup. As far as success in the NSL is concerned we will be doing our best to take some silverware back to Hucknall. I would also love to see an NSL side win the Notts Senior Cup.  Many of the Clubs think its good enough to get through to the latter stages, which ensures they will be seeded the following year.  I think that Clubs should now reflect the ambitions of the NSL by believing in their abilities and winning it.  On their day our top teams can beat anyone."

And beyond 2005/06? "I think that this coming Season will be my last in my current post with Notts Police.  Once we are set in our new home I would like to think that others could step up and get involved in various levels to push the Club forward.  This will be my tenth year as Manager of the 1^st eleven and although I’ve had a cracking time I would like to have a go at a more conventional Club.  In addition to the regular unavailability of players I have other frustrations such as the fact the lads can’t train together, turn up on time etc.  It’s not the fault of the players it’s just how it is and often makes any success even more remarkable."

You have had some fine performances this season, is their one in particular that stands out? "I take pride in all our successes because of the associated problems, which I have already outlined.  Wins against Arnold Southbank away with a weak side, the share of the points at Calverton with a virtual second string and the abandoned away game at Wollaton with the lads having to carry me up front give me fond memories."

What about the worst performance your club has had this season? "I can stand losing to a better side, poor refereeing decisions or bad luck but to lose because of lack of effort is unforgivable.  To answer the above would highlight this but I would never want to take anything away from the opposition so I will keep the answer to myself."

SENIOR DIVISION REVIEW - WOLLATON CONQUER SENIOR LEAGUE

Wollaton FC blitzed all before them in the uhlsport Nottinghamshire Senior Leagues debut season, massing 73 points which included 23 wins out of 32 games enabling the side to clinch the title as early as the first week in April.

Wollaton led from the front, winning their first ten games (the first four of those, without conceding) letting only five goals in the process but weren't the first team to lead the NSL table, after a couple of heavy opening victories Kimberley MW took early centre stage at the top before defeat in their third game to Notts Police gave their victors chance to leapfrog the early pace setters, which they did on August bank holiday against Arnold Southbank. A 1-0 defeat five days later at the hands of Boots Athletic who after much rebuilding in pre-season started indifferently, gave Wollaton the chance to take top spot, and from their on in the opening weeks of September, they stayed ever since.

With victories seeming endless for the leaders and everyone else dropping points around them, Wollaton drew up a significent lead at the top of the table, but that lead was to be reduced, with their first defeat of the season at the end of October to the hands of the ever improving Calverton MW, who's young squad had already been raising a few eyelids in the Division after previously finishing bottom of the Notts Alliance Senior Division. Calverton won 1-0 thanks to regular scorer Michael Nestor, helping spark of their previous weeks win at Awsworth Villa, the side continued to win six more and draw one of their next seven fixtures.

Also going well in the Autumn months were Linby CW, after a half decent start they were pushing for a top three place and were half way through a twelve match unbeaten run (which started and ended against Wollaton). Elsewhere Notts Police in second place were still going strong, with only three defeats by the turn of the year they were regarded as main title challengers to Wollaton's bid. That threat by 'the Police' was begining to be well known at the Sports Assosiation, after the leaders slipped up a week later after defeat at Calverton, this time Keyworth United beat them (the only side not to be beaten by Wollaton in the league during the season), before draws against Boots and Ruddington had punters wondering if the bubble had burst at the top.

A Fantastic Christmas though put Wollaton back on track, and with crushing wins against Siemens EWS (3-0), Awsworth Villa (7-0), Notts Police 5-1 (who were going through a mini blip of their own) and Arnold Southbank 6-0, normal service was very much resumed. Guided by the managerial tricycle that is Munroe, Benner & Walker, Wollaton won a further eight of their next nine league matches, one of those called pivitol, in the side becoming champions as they saw off the nearest challengers in any kind of form Linby CW in front of a big Church Lane crowd.

At the bottom, things weren't looking to good for Magdala Amateurs who buy April hadn't a win under their belt in 2005, Sandhurst were also struggling with them Awsworth Villa and Ruddington United who's couple of deducted points, pushed them right in the unwanted wooden spoon battle. With the title seemingly only a matter of time away for Wollaton, focus began to switch to the race for second, and with Notts Police and Kimberley MW (not helped by the departure of Manager George Hulley) faltering away, Calverton MW, Linby CW and now Arnold Southbank all fancied their chances of grabbing the next best thing. Bank, threw a terrific run of form, were still unbeaten in 2005 up until May.

With Easter nearing Wollaton's championship looked destined, after seven straight wins the side expected to be clinch the title on bank holiday weekend at the restructuring Kimberley MW, with the leagues leading goalscorer Julian Wright, however amongst their squad, the home side had other ideas and postponed Wollaton's title celebrations with a late 3-2 win. That postponement should have been for just two days, but Attenborough, going through one of their best runs of form in the season were also willing to give nothing away, blip number two for the champions elect as Boro claimed their highlight of the season with a 3-1 win. The blip, and bursting bubble (like the first time) didn't last long though, as a week later Wollaton finally got it right, to clinch the championship with a 2-0 win over Bestwood MW who's priority's in an otherwise average season lay elsewhere in the County Cup.

Wollaton drew their remaining two games in relaxed spirit allowing the unthreatened gap at the top to be closed a little, just who would it be that closed it the most, remained to be seen. Favourites at the start of April, looked like Calverton MW, with third placed Linby CW their nearest challengers (but with games in hand) to play along with the ever improving Boots, Bestwood and in form Southbank, CMW needed only a pair of wins with Linby likeley to slip up once or twice in their final eight matches. With Southbank leaving it a little to late (with many games in hand due to their cup successes) to sustain fourth place ahead of Notts Police, the race for second became a two horse race, and that battle should have gone in Calverton's favour after sharing the spoils in early April's crunch tie with Linby, a 2-2 draw meant destiny was in their own hands, Calverton however after holding down second since December, didn't want to read their own script and failed to win any of their remaining three games, allowing Linby, to pretty impressively take them in the closing weeks, Linby's form helped by the goalscoring partnership of Start & Balm finished up unbeaten in ten.

DIVISION ONE REVIEW - ATHLETIC RECORDS CONTRIBUTE IN TITLE WIN

Boots Athletic Res overwhelmed the uhlsport Nottinghamshire Senior League First Division in it's debut year, setting records along the way as the team totalled 73 points out of a possible 84 on offer to win the title by nine points over Cotgrave. Boots went as far as the first week in March, still undefeated in all competitions and lost their first league game to Wollaton Res in early April, a massive 24 league games unbeaten from when the campaign kicked off in August. The side, marshalled by NSL vice chairman / press officer, Dick Durrant won 23 times in total, also setting the record for successive wins in which they managed eleven.

After Attenborough Res set the early pace in the league with three wins out of three, Boots had it pretty much their own way by the end of December. With Cotgrave Res, Arnold Southbank Res and Keyworth United Res also in contention after good early form, Durrant's men were keen not to take their feet off the gas. By mid-January the side had massed a tremendous lead at the top, thanks to wins over all their nearest rivals. But with the side in cup competition so frequently, others were able to close the gap, despite having played more games. Cotgrave pressed and pressed and with sixteen wins out of eighteen with only two defeats, they were favourites to catch the chemists at the top, and Wollaton Res could not be countered out, after an in-different start to the season, the side had pulled a run of games together where they had scored 55 goals in just 12 games, only losing to Boots in the process, they had scalps such as Linby Res (8-0), Cotgrave Res (7-1), Attenborough Res (7-2) and fives with and without reply against the likes of Ruddington, Calverton & Awsworth. With the rest of the table taking points off each other, it became clear that by the time father Christmas had turned to cupid and was sending valentines cards, it would be very much a three horse race.

After a slip up against Keyworth, Wollaton Res were again looking promising with record league wins, first against Magdala Amateurs 11-1, and a month later in the opening weekend of March, a humiliating 14-0 victory over Kimberley MW Res which included a double hat-trick for the leagues eventual top goalscorer Anthony Fragola. Cotgrave Res however were slipping up, and without a win in February up until the third week in March, it looked like they would blow second spot let alone any slim chance they had of winning the title. That typified as Boots, although only playing four league games through out February and March combined, just kept on winning.

By Easter the title looked as if it would only be a matter of time for Boots to wrap up, but signs of a stutter by the favourites evidentially came with a scoreless draw with rapidly progressing Calverton before a defeat to nearest challengers Wollaton only a couple of days later, the chase looked to be hotting up.

Elsewhere the likes of Arnold Southbank Res and Notts Police Res were keeping things interesting carrying out good runs placing them in the top six, at the other end Awsworth Villa Res won their first game in 21 against Keyworth United Res, Magdala Amateurs Res, registering only their second win of 2005 with a penultimate 6-1 victory over Siemens EWS not enough to avoid finishing bottom. Entertainment wise Clifton and Kimberley (who were both known to have conceded and scored their fair share of goals) played out a last day thirteen goal thriller, Clifton winning 8-5. And playing wise the likes of Eaton, Wilson and Price were all credit to their sides although their clubs mid-table positions.

LEAGUE CUP REVIEW -WOLLATON AT THE DOUBLE

COUNTY CUP REVIEW - BANK FLY FLAG FOR NSL

On behalf of the management committee, could we please express out deepest thanks to all clubs, players, spectators, our magnificent sponsor uhlsport and every one involved in making the NSL a success in its first season. We accept that there is room for improvement in the league, whether it be on the management front, or club front & with hindsight things we would have done differently. Our first aim is to revisit all grounds again and ensure that improvements asked for last season have been met. This has been a very steep learning curve for me in my first season as the league secretary, and indeed for all the management committee. The new season will be upon us shortly, in the mean time there is an AGM to attend. Presentation night to arrange, and of course the golf day. Enjoy the break from football, enjoy the Saturday afternoon trips shopping with the wife. We look forward to working with you all again in the near future & to build on the foundations we have laid down over the past season.

12 uhlsport Nottinghamshire Senior League Officials have been promoted to higher grades, an improvement of eleven on the old Notts Alliance Football League of last season. On behalf of all the committee, congratulations to those have received upgrades from the FA.

The following Referees have been upgraded a level.

Level 4: Thomas Bhuse, Andy Harvey, Ollie Maltby, Andy Smith.

Level 5: Mike Cole, Ken Deighton, Matt Lyas.