Victory again. Charlie doesn’t score.

A bit of a headache today, as we had so many drop outs for our regular football game against Sunderland Deaf FC. One by one, Si, Karl and Jase dropped out for varying reasons, while Stoker and Macca didn’t even bother to respond. This meant we were left with the core of the Sassco team: Simpson, Sangha, Muers, Dixon, Brook, Charlton, Conlin and Barker. Mark Turnbull came in as a late addition during the game, while we borrowed two players from Sunderland Deaf FC, known as ‘Pele’ and ‘Ronaldo’.

Despite floating about with ten players for the majority of the first half, we took the lead at 1-0, but were pegged back to 1-1, when Simma, avoiding some dog shit, swerved out of the way of the ball. Eventually we hit back to make it 2-1, just as Mark Turnbull turned up, and around ten minutes later, he was still getting ready when we went 3-1 ahead. Eventually it was 4-1, and we had the full complement of eleven players for the second half.

Sassco, being arse about face, meant that I did the match team talk at half time: “Don’t give away corners, goalside….” usual blurb.

Which Titch ignored to give away a corner in the second half. They made it 4-2, but immediately, we hit back with a long range effort from Ronaldo. Charlie was truly outshone today, with Ronaldo choosing his own positions and having everyone else run around after him, just in case he lost the ball. Muers pushed himself upfront and played with his strike partner, Pele. At one stage, Muers in space was screaming for the ball, conveniently forgetting his strike partner was deaf.

It was 6-2 in the end. Ronaldo kicked off with one of his own players (from Sunderland Deaf) after scoring again. Can’t really remember who scored. Baxter finished off another ‘Muers missing from 10cm out’ effort, while Titch missed some sitter. Muers and Charlie were having a competition to see who could sky it. Simma got lobbed….again.

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A new year and another win for Sassco 11-a-side, who are now unbeaten in nearly two years.

Sunderland Deaf Football Club were the opponents and the venue changed time due to Castle View being waterlogged, to the plush surroundings of Chester-le-Street, and the sumptuous 3G pitch.

Squad was cobbled together again, with drop outs and late additions, seeing Simon Williamson, Michael Conlin, Michael Forsythe, Karl Lockwood, Mike Barker (aka Max Baxter) all making Sassco débuts. It looked just that way, when in the first few moments, DFC nearly scored from a mix up at the back. Normal service resumed and goals from Conlin, Brook and Charlton put Sassco 3-1 ahead. They were pegged back 3-2 to conclude the half, but in the second, the team raced ahead, with more goals from Charlton (another hat-trick), Conlin and Baxter (plus an own goal from Deaf FC).

Only downside was Muers and his ample frame getting lobbed by the same player, TWICE, like he did last time. However, due to complaints from Muers, we have to mention his fabulous save, late in the second half, when all Sassco players turned towards the centre spot, expecting a goal to be conceded.

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Charlie’s third hat-trick in as many games and Titch’s “dummy” goal!

A much changed line-up saw Sassco take on Sunderland Deaf Football Club at their new venue, Sandhill Centre.

Only Craig Charlton, Ray Stoker, Davinder Sangha and Chris Dixon remained from the last game, but it didn’t seem to affect the side as Sassco dominated. A breakaway goal saw DFC score, but soon after, Sean Brook, bundled over in the box, dispatched the penalty, despite trying to hit the ‘keeper.

Soon after, Stoker centred for Charlie to nod in. Charlie eventually cemented his name in Sassco folklore by scoring three goals, something he’s done in the last three games. The “Miracle Midget”, Titch Conlin was causing a stir and got his just rewards with two second half goals, including one of the best dummies seen since Pelé’s 1970 effort. Pelé was shite, though. He missed and Titch didn’t.

Sassco couldn’t keep a lead. Not surprising, as we had McDermont between the sticks in the first half and Muers later on in the second. McDermont was a disgrace. Not for failing to pick up his marker, but failing to put a pair of white shorts and socks on when out. However, Muers was to blame for their equalising goal in the 99th minute, as he was fannying about and didn’t punch it clear.

All-in-all, a good day out. It was a threadbare squad. Thanks to Sean Brook, Stephen Conlin, Jase Robson for making a debut appearance in the post-competitive Sassco era. And thanks to Muers, Mulvaney, Stoker, Charlton, Macca and Dixon for still deciding to show up.

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Alan Hoyle
Alan Hoyle is one of only two players in the United Kingdom to score over 100 points in a game, a feat he has achieved three times scoring 113, 107 and a UK and Europe high 121 points, each in a single game.

Alan grew up in Northumberland and is an inspiration to young people in the area. Aspire 2 Achieve is a local organisation which gives young people the opportunity to participate in activities and learn new skills which they thought were ‘out of reach’ to them. Whether it is through coaching or mentoring, Alan is a positive role model to everyone he comes into contact with.

Isobelle Gibson
Isobelle Gibson grew up in Northumberland and has first hand experience of both playing and coaching in the region. Isobelle plays for the Northumberland Knightflyers senior team while coaching the junior club. She has achieved personal success this year by being named Northumberland’s Student of the Year.

Michael Fittes

Michael Fittes went through school with Alan Hoyle and shares his dream of giving back to the community. He has worked with young people in other projects around Northumberland and has experience of working with children of all ages.

All our staff have experience with coaching basketball in Northumberland and other areas in the UK. Our head coach Alan Hoyle has over 9 years coaching experience and has received training from the six time World Champions, the Chicago Bulls. Our unique experience allows us to offer an unmatched training programme to people of all abilities.

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Brian, as Team Secretary, has known all the background goings on within the Sassco Organisation for the last few years.

Brian has always been involved in football even from an early age, playing for school teams and numerous youth teams often in goal or the heart of the defence and although age has crept up on him he has kept his passion for the game.
 
He Formed Downhill Wolves Under-10’s in 2003 which folded in 2006 after 3 succesful years having been promoted in our very first season albeit at small sided football. It nearly became Sassco Wolves, but it folded before having the chance (Sassco Impact took on the youth mantle for Sassco, the following season).
 
Then he became secretary of Sassco in 2006, having been contacted to find the club a new secretary. He took the job himself and enjoyed every minute. He also formed the new ALS sponsored 6 a side team which competed in the Sassco League, which folded due to the lack of commitment by the players. As for the 11-a-side, Brian had to resign at the end of the 2008/09 season, due to the formation of a new youth team of which he is the assistant manager, called Northside United Under-15’s, competing in the third division of the Russell Foster Youth League.

He then re-took his post of secretary of Sassco for the 2009/2010 season.

Q) You’ve been with Sassco for a number of seasons now. What are your impressions of the team, the set up, the players, etc. having already been in charge of other teams yourself in the past?

WATSON: The team on the whole are a great bunch of lads. The set-up has also to be commended and I’m proud to be a small cog in a well oiled machine, as there are a number of us on the management staff , General Manager Sangha, Coaches Greenwell and Pearson, Captain Dave Gourlay and even tea boy Muers, who all muck in when the chips are down. As it was the exact opposite when I had my youth team. I only had one person who would help now and again (and the failed Sassco duo*) but it was to no avail as the club folded after 3 years.

* That was Mickey Donkin, who failed to coach the youth team.

Q) After winning the Fair Play Trophy for 2006, Sassco have turned into the “bad boys” of the division with a number of yellow cards, including a major red card in the incident we’re not allowed to mention. Why do you think the discipline has suffered?

WATSON: It should be drummed into the players heads by the management/captain – NO DISSENT, I can’t remember the last time a Sassco player was booked for a rash challenge (can you?). However our discipline has improved slightly due to the removal of certain players (hotheads) and harmony has been restored to the dressing room.

Q) Sassco famously never train, or warm up before games. What do you think of this?

WATSON: Well I guess its because of work commitments and the six a side league, that Sassco never train, however I think the team should warm up before a match led by the captain / coaches*.

* Simon Mulvaney took the role or pre-match warm up in Portugal.

Q) How have your dealings with the League, opposing teams and the Council been as you tend to be the main point of contact.

WATSON: My dealings with everyone concerned have been ok, just a few problem teams who fail to contact you sometimes and you have to contact them!

Q) As Team Sec. you tend to be given an open reign by General Manager, Sangha. Do you think you have full autonomy to do what your think is best for Sassco, or do you think your hands are tied?

WATSON: Although I’ve got full power to control Sassco and do what I see fit for the good of the club, I’ve never had to use it due to the nature of the club structure with most things taken care of by Mr.Sangha. 

Q) What, in your opinion, is the direction that Sassco should go now?

WATSON: Like I said before; the removal of certain individuals has made Sassco stronger, with the team starting to gel under new tactics and management, as you can see by our rise up the table. Keep it up, lads. Lets not waste our opportunity this year (2010) as we have been in this position before and we blew it. We could possibly look for another pitch in the future as Downhill Pitch F has got worse year after year.

Aspirations for 2010: To see Sassco win a trophy and to revive my idea’s of a Sassco Youth League and write a book titled The History of Sassco Part I.

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In the first of a series of interviews, Michael Pearson, a long standing, original member of the team, now Assistant Coach, answers some in-depth questions.

Michael was selected by General Manager, Davinder Sangha, to join the team back in it’s debut game in 2002 and has remained a regular player in recent years, having been non-regular during the mid-years. And he was recently appointed as Assistant Coach to the team.

Q) William Harper, in one of his many outlandish, Pele type claims, once considered you “the best young player in Sunderland.” Do you think this has put pressure on you?

PEARSON: As we all know, William “Tash” Harper has a vast amount of experience and is very knowledgeable when it comes to football. Some might say he even played like Pele in his younger days. So when someone like that makes such a statement about a young player it does place a bit of pressure on a young person’s shoulders. Part of being a footballer is about learning to handle such pressures and I feel I owe a lot to Sassco General Manager, Davinder Sangha, for helping me to develop myself further, not just as a player but also as a person.

Q) You stopped playing for Sassco in the Saturday morning Tyne & Wear League after criticising the team heavily in the press. Manager, Sangha, once famously said, “If there was a Hell, it would have to freeze over” before considering you for the team again. Yet you came back. How do you feel the team has developed, as you are one of the original players?

PEARSON: Sassco originally started out with, on paper, a strong looking squad that could challenge for honours but after a poor start in the TW League things went tits up. Internal bickering between players and management alike looked like Sassco would be another one season team. Somehow, Sassco managed to keep on going for a few seasons but the same problems arose season after season and I became a bit of a non – regular. Sassco have never managed to sustain a settled consistent squad and have had many different coaches* giving it a go with very little success.

However, this season has seen a remarkable change in fortunes for this Sassco squad. Gone are the players who some might say caused problems and in came a few new and old faces. The managerial team has seen yet another change but this time has proved successful…so far.

Being an original member of the Sassco brand from the very first day I have seen many good, bad and very humorous times as well as many, many…many players come and go but I can now see that the team is now realising its true potential. On the field the team is beginning to play consistently well and have had some excellent results so far this season and can hopefully build on that.

Off the field Sassco is one the most organised and well ran clubs in local football. No one can argue with that. Everything from the superb website, trips abroad and links with various north east clubs and it is all down to Dov. He might not have the tactical nous to change a game but he can certainly make the Sassco brand bigger and better.

* Coaches since 2002 have been: Davinder Sangha (several long spells and various interim roles), Dave Watson, Dave Gourlay, Neil Richardson, William Harper and Wayne Greenwell.

Q) Its common knowledge that once you’re in a relationship with a girl, your football career effectively ends. What are your comments on this?

PEARSON: When I have stopped playing for Sassco previously it was down to a number of factors. I don’t want to dwell on the past, I just want to look to the future and drive Sassco forward. I take my role with the club very seriously.

Q) How do you feel about having your brother, Anthony, in the team?

PEARSON: I think it’s great to have young talent in the team. I feel he fits in very well into the way we play and has made the left hand side of midfield his own by being in excellent form recently, scoring 5 goals in his last 6 appearances.  Obviously with him being my brother and me being part of the managerial team some might expect favouritism but I would like to go on record to say I am his biggest critic and we often have many disagreements with how we rate each other’s performances in games. No player is favoured more than others. Each game a team is picked that we think can win.

Q) Its quite obvious that General Manager, Davinder Sangha, considers you the true power behind Greenwell’s throne (you are currently classed as Assistant Coach) and Sangha has on several occasions attempted to undermine Greenwell with undue pressure and also a whispering campaign to install you as Team Coach. Do you think this is a good or bad thing and what are your comments on the situation?

PEARSON: Greenwell and I are working hard to make Sassco a force to be reckoned with and part of that is to make the squad a strong unit with a united team spirit and any whisper campaigns will undermine our hard work. After our recent run of form I feel as if the management team has answered their critics. Hopefully everyone squad member is on the same page now and we can continue to build on our form going into the New Year. We have competition for places now which is something we have never had before. Times ahead look bright for Sassco and I look forward working alongside Greenwell and hopefully take Sassco onto the next level.

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We play our host, Gary Thomas’ team on Sunday just before lunchtime. Afterwards, we’ll be at the Bar Solar Da Palanicie near the football pitch at Alfamar where we can celebrate our tour conclusion after our match.

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More publicity in Portugal. Algarve Resident, the local newspaper (online and in print) for the area, will be featuring Sassco’s tour. Thanks to Inês Lopes at the newspaper and also Gary Thomas at Algarve Football Tours.

Their website is http://www.algarveresident.com/

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The driving force behind the tour has been myself (Davinder Sangha) as well as all the players who came on the Malta Tour 2009. I expected Malta to be a one off; an ambition achieved, but during the tour itself players started asking about another one.

Portugal was chosen due to flight routes. We didn’t make the same mistakes as in the Malta Tour where the flights (British Airways from Gatwick Airport) caused a hike in the price. This time I also did a lot of the ground work in by self selecting hotels, etc.

The main driving force in Portugal is Gary Thomas, an ex-pat who has his own team out there. I found his email after several searches and dead ends and we began a dialogue. As it happens he has produced similar tours in the past, but not as a full-time occupation. It’s thanks to Gary that we’ve arranged the opponents and also transportation. His online store is called Destination Football (Destination Football Artigos de Desportos Lda to be accurate) and he deals with football gear in Portugal.

However, he is in the process of putting a website together for football tours here in Portugal. Although he’s been organising stuff for about 15 years, he never really advertised and I suppose our tour has started the ball rolling. The online website is now http://www.algarvefootballtours.com . It just has a holding page at the moment, but should go live soon.

The current website shows the following information:

Algarve Football Tours – for all your Football Tours abroad, we offer the whole package! Algarve, Portugal, Spain.

Everything from 5-a-side / 7-a-side up to Full 11-a-side Football Matches and Tour Tournaments.

Welcome to Algarve Football Tours. We offer you a one-stop shop for Football Tours in Portugal.

We create “tailor made” packages to suit your requirements including accommodation, transport, football fixtures or just a one off match. All ages, standards & budgets can be catered for.

Football tours are becoming an increasingly popular way to see the World, choosing the Algarve for your football trip, gives you the chance to experience one of the great football cultures in Europe.

Algarve Football Tours can organise, 5s ,7s and 11 a side  matches & multi team tournaments. Social, pub, veteran, office, Sunday League & Junior teams are all catered for & of cause why not make that Stag Party a little different and incorporate a friendly match.

We have an excellent standard of football pitches & venues here in the Algarve, suitable for every level of football. As well as the football we can lay on great venues for trophy presentations, post match drinks at local bars or typical restaurants, so you can kick back & celebrate your challenges.

Celebrity footballers can occasionally be seen about the Algarve. With the occasional player adorning a kit & joining in matches.

The Algarve has plenty more to offer for fun seekers, so if you want a little more than just football, check out the other activities.

You can be assured from the moment you touch down at Faro airport we will be at hand to take the worry out of your trip, leaving you to enjoy your tour & holiday.

And you can be sure your football trip experience will be to the highest standard & one to remember.

Please email us on info@algarvefootballtours.com and we will get in touch with more information on Algarve Football Tours

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	16th October (Friday)	Juventude Sport Campinense/Loulé	8:30pm	Municipal 3G pitch
	17th October (Saturday)	FC Ferreiras	5:00pm	Estadio Da Nora
	18th October (Sunday)	Destination Football FC	11:00am	Hotel Alfamar pitch

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