CONTENTS
- Team News – updated prior to kick-off
- Watch today’s match LIVE
- Today’s Matches/ The Table
- Comms Team
- News Of The World
- Simon Says
- Your 2021 Rooks
- Highlights: Lewes 1 Durham 1
- Notes From The Big Chair
- New Signings Update!
- Match Poster
- Who Are Ya? Blades
- Lyle & Scott
- Pan For Gold
- Club Shop Barry
- Commercial
- Filming at matches
- Credits & Legal
TEAM NEWS
Welcome to the home of LIVE football at Lewes FC!
Click on the link below to go to our live streaming service for this match
Season ticket holders watch for free. Anyone else can watch too, and as a trial you can pay what you want via a donation button at the foot of the page
https://www.lewesfc.com/live
Today’s Matches
Taking The Mic
It’s a warm welcome back to Lewes FC to commentator Ben Jacobs for today’s contest.
Ben will be joined in the comms box on Sunday by Lewes FC Men star Alex Malins
The match will be streamed live for those fans unable to attend today. See the live link above!
News Of The World
Lewes entertained a world-wide audience for the last last home game, including many of the +1600 owners. Here’s a recent map showing our ownership locations. Beneath that a list of countries that streamed the match v Durham earlier this month.
Lewes v Durham was live streamed in the UK, USA, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Cyprus, Morocco, South Africa, Indonesia, Kenya, Albania, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Germany, Spain, France, Czech Republic, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and Luxembourg!
Simon Says
Simon Parker is relishing the challenge that 2021 brings to his young Championship side.
This weekend sees another title contender coming to the Dripping Pan.
The Lewes manager knows what to expect.
“Sheffield are a fantastic side that are going to be a huge test. They are strong in all areas of the pitch. They can score goals for fun, they have a prolific striker but they also have a great defensive record.
They are one of the top teams in this league and will be looking to build on their result against Coventry.”
The Blades ran out 3-0 winners against Coventry United last Sunday as Neil Redfearn’s side looked to keep pace with Durham and high-flying Leicester City.
Disappointed to have missed an opportunity to build on an impressive display against the Wildcats so far this month, Parker’s players will be keen to get back to business on home soil.
“We are looking forward to the challenge and hope it will be an entertaining game.
We have looked good in training, we have a couple of players who are doubts due to injury but we are confident we can get a positive result.”
2021 Rooks
Highlights: Lewes 1 Durham 1
Here are the best bits from our last Championship match, at home to Durham WFC
NOTES FROM THE BIG CHAIR
Good afternoon everybody and welcome to the Dripping Pan, whether you are one of the staff and volunteers here in person or watching us virtually via our streaming service. I’d like to welcome Sheffield United to the Pan this afternoon. I hope that you have a safe and swift journey back up to South Yorkshire.
It’s been two weeks since I wrote my notes for the Durham game, so here’s a quick recap on what has happened since.
We’ve still heard absolutely nothing from the DCMS about the promised winter funding package. This was the money promised back in November to the Women’s Elite clubs who are continuing to play without any fans, and thus any income, but still having to incur the costs of running the squad, the management and our facilities. The Women’s game isn’t alone in not having any update on the grants – our Men’s team, who haven’t been able to play since the 31st October, still have not seen any detail of the promised funding. I spoke to our MP, Maria Caulfield earlier this week and have called on her to push the urgency of this with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
We’ve unveiled a new signing and what a signing it is too! Welcome to the club and the first team, Ini Umotong, who has joined us after playing in Sweden and previously with Brighton & Hove Albion. Ini will also be working on the commercial side of the club for us. We are very excited to have her onboard and part of the Lewes family.
We had hoped to be preparing to play in the FA Cup in the coming weeks but unfortunately, with the non-elite clubs still not able to train, let alone play, the previous rounds can’t be completed and so the FA has put the tournament on indefinite hold. This means after our game today we will next be in action on the 7th February when we travel to Coventry United.
It was a shame, but understandable, that last week’s trip to Blackburn Rovers was cancelled, after a COVID situation arose within their squad. Naturally we wish the affected a swift return to full health.
Thanks to everyone who joined our first Owners Town Hall last week – we had a great session with owners on from all over the world listening to updates from the club as well as asking questions to Maggie, Karen, Charlie and myself. We aim to do another one next month and hope to have our first team managers and a couple of the players involved as well.
Come on you Rooks!
Stuart
INI IS A ROOK!: Welcome Ini Umotong
This week we were delighted to announce the signing of the experienced 26-year-old striker and Nigeria international, Ini Umotong. Umotong joins the Rooks after leaving Swedish side Växjö DFF having joined them in July last year. The striker played 13 games for the side in the Damallsvenskan and scored twice.
Umotong’s professional career started at Portsmouth and in 2015 she helped the side win their seventh consecutive Hampshire County Cup, while also securing the league title. She finished as the top goal scorer for Pompey, finding the net 29 times in 25 appearances across all competitions.
After leaving Portsmouth, the new Rooks striker joined Oxford United. In 2016 she was the top goal scorer in the formerly known FA Women’s Super League 2, scoring 13 goals in 19 games. Then in the 2017 WSL Spring Series, Umotong scored four times in seven games.
Before heading for Sweden, Umotong played for south coast neighbours Brighton & Hove Albion. The striker joined the Seagulls in July 2017 and finished as their top goal scorer netting 10 times in 19 games, as they finished second in the FA WSL 2. Umotong went on to make 25 appearances for Albion in the 2018/19 season across all competitions.
In the 2019/20 season, Umotong helped Brighton reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, scoring the third goal in a 3-0 win over rivals Crystal Palace.
On the international stage, Umotong scored her first goal for the Super Falcons in January 2019. This came against Romania in the Four Nations tournament third place play-off, with Nigeria coming out 4-1 winners.
Marcus Lee
NEW SIGNING: Welcome Lucy Ashworth-Clifford!
Lewes Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of winger Lucy Ashworth-Clifford. Ashworth-Clifford recently moved back to England after studying and playing football at Lamar University in Texas in the United States of America.
Before heading off to the USA, Ashworth-Clifford played football in the north-west of England. She started her career at Wigan Athletic before being scouted by Manchester United.
In 2016, Ashworth-Clifford made it to the final of the FA Girl’s Youth Cup with Manchester United and was part of the starting line-up, but unfortunately lost against Arsenal.
The new Lewes winger then went on trials at Everton and Manchester City and decided to join City. She spent one season there before heading to the USA.
The Rooks’ latest signing jetted off to the USA to combine studying at Lamar University with playing football. Lamar University play in Division 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the highest level of college athletics in the USA.
In the 2017 season, Ashworth-Clifford scored four goals and assisted eight. In her first collegiate game she scored on her debut in a 6-0 win.
The following season she started all 20 games for Lamar. This time finding the net six times and recording six assists.
During her time at university, Ashworth-Clifford helped her side win their conference and conference tournament twice. She also went on to be awarded Player of the Tournament and Student-Athlete of the Year.
Marcus Lee
MATCHDAY POSTER
This season these are being designed by our U14s/ U16s pathway players.
They’ve been interviewing and photographing our first team players via Zoom.
The poster for today’s game features Wizard Welsh Wingback Samantha Quayle
Sammy was speaking to youth player Amy, 13
Who Are Ya? Sheffield United
Sheffield United visit the Dripping Pan on Sunday eager to close the gap on Leicester and Durham at the top of the Championship.
BLADES SQUAD
1 – Becky Flaherty
2 – Ellie Wilson
3 – Nat Johnson
4 – Leandra Little (C)
5 – Naomi Hartley
6 – Kasia Lipka
7 – Jade Pennock
8 – Maddy Cusack
9 – Katie Wilkinson
10 – Alethea Paul
11 – Chloe Dixon
12 – Rhema Lord-Mears
13 – Emily Batty
14 – Keri Matthews
15 – Tamara Wilcock
16 – Lucy Watson
18 – Sophie Walton
19 – Charley Docherty
20 – Fran Kitching
21 – Rebecca Rayner
22 – Ocean Rolandsen
23 – Courtney Sweetman-Kirk
46 – Mel Johnson
Highlights: SUFC 3 Coventry 0
Last weekend Sheffield put Coventry to the sword. Here’s how it went down
GREAT SCOTT! Lewes Welcome Lyle & Scott
Lewes Football Club is very proud to unveil its most significant partnership to date.
With the collaboration including an in-depth content series, buying new key players, shirt sponsorship of both the women’s and men’s teams, grassroots community outreach and development of club facilities, Lyle & Scott are making a six-figure investment in the club: The Rooks and The Golden Eagle .
Charlie Dobres commented “This incredible Lyle & Scott partnership is an acknowledgement of the club’s place in both its community and the wider football world. Lyle & Scott is an iconic brand whose focus is on community initiatives and we can’t wait to get to work. The benefit of this investment will be felt across both women’s and men’s teams and throughout the club.”
Maggie Murphy, General Manager of the club’s women’s section added “In a dark year where women’s sport faced so many setbacks, this partnership with Lyle & Scott proves that women’s football and ethical, community-oriented football is the future of the game. This investment allows us to grow, professionalize and strengthen our squad as well as share our story with others via a unique content partnership with Lyle & Scott”
Ben Gunn, Brand Director of Lyle & Scott said “Lewes FC is a beacon in the sporting world, a fan owned football club whose principles and values extend way beyond the football field. Something that genuinely excited us. Our focus at Lyle & Scott is on building a community, supporting, and collaborating with those whose vision is a powerful conduit for change across fashion, sport and music. We didn’t see this an opportunity to sponsor Lewes FC but rather an opportunity to help them tell their story, support their journey, whilst creating content opportunities that will allow a much wider audience to appreciate the outstanding work the club does.”
The deal is initially set to run through until summer 2021.
Watch out for updates and news in the weeks ahead!
PAN FOR GOLD: you have to be in it to win it!!
Join Alan Sayers and his merry band of Supporters Club members on the trail for (not quite) lost treasure. This monthly draw delivers valuable cash prizes to the winners. Take part for just £5 per month per person.
Click on GOLDMEMBER for more. Go on, the link is fine. You can trust us. Baby.
Club Shop Barry
Click on my gawjus Furry Face to reveal the latest club shop online offers … Baz
Club Shop Barry welcomes you to his Online Emporium. You can spot the latest deals, grab the new home and away kit, hats, scarves, face coverings … you name it!
Commercial
If You Liked It Then You Shoulda Put A Ring On It
Lewes FC is the first & only football club in the world where women and men footballers get equal resources.
No other football club can say that.
Our women’s team is one of the top 20 teams in the country. And our men’s team is one of the most loved in non-league football.
We are 100% fan owned, not-for-profit. We have Owners in 31 countries around the world.
This is a football revolution. And we want your company to #JoinTheClub
Contact Charlie@LewesFC.com
https://www.lewesfc.com/club-info/sponsorship
LEWES FC SUPPORTERS CLUB
Click on the logo to visit the wonderful world of LFCSC …
The Lewes FC Supporters Club raises money for the club, runs social events and represents the fans on the terraces.
The Supporters Club – in no small part due to David & Barbara Arnold and a handful of other hardcore volunteers – has raised enormous amounts for the club over the past few years.
In Season 2018/19, the Supporters Club donated just over £22,000 to the club.
Take a peek or get involved! All Rooks welcome …
FILMING AT MATCHES
Today there may be film crews in the ground, filming on behalf of Lewes Football Club and other media organisations. The filming is usually for Lewes FC marketing purposes, to show what a matchday looks/sounds like and to generally promote what we do. Lewes Football Club respectfully asks for your permission to be filmed. If you do not want to be filmed, please let the crew know directly and they will oblige. Thanks for your cooperation in helping to build a successful club.
CREDITS AND LEGAL INFO
The FA Women’s Championship strongly supports recent FA statements that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly, any form of discriminatory abuse, whether it be based on race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, faith, age, ability or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association. (The FA 0800 085 0508/Kick It Out 020 7253 0162)
Lewes 2000 FC Limited. Registered in England and Wales with Company Registration Number 03790979.
Honorary President Terry Parris
Chairman Stuart Fuller
Directors Ed Briggs*, Charlie Dobres, Stuart Fuller*, John Peel, Eddie Ramsden, Galia Orme, Roger Warner, Steve Keegan, Karen Dobres, Trevor Wells
Claire Rafferty**
*Re-elected at AGM Oct 2020
** Directors seconded onto the board
Operations Manager Warren Lane
Life Members
Mr and Mrs Brook, Vic Blunt, Pat Dartnell, Gary Elphick, Gordon Fowlie, Peter Hiscox, Billy Nixon, Derrick Parris, Terry Parris, Jimmy Quinn, P. Swaysland, Steve Ibbitson, Jason Hopkinson, Steve White, Martin Elliot, Kevin Fingerneissl, Kevin Powell, David and Barbara Arnold, Roger and Cathy Feltham, Ethel Treagus, Roy Dartnell RIP, Ron Moore, Derek Southouse, Ray Smith, Ken Carter.
General Manager Maggie Murphy
Assistant GM Lynne Burrell
Marketing Director Charlie Dobres
Marketing Officer Maggie Murphy
Safeguarding Officer Lynne Burrell
Pathway Coordinator Alison Palmer
Manager Simon Parker
Assistant Coach Jesus Cordon
Assistant Coach Ady Penrose
PP Coach Christos Andreou
GK Coach Sergio Maldonado
Nutritionist Stefano Montanari
Asst PPC Kayleigh Bonwick
Physio Paul Paredes
Team Psychologist Chelsea Orme
Data Analyst Adam Chilcott
Kit Wrangler Joe Gander
DS Coach Lewis Singleton
U18s Manager/ Head coach Kelly Newton
U18s Manager/ Coach Charlie Carter
U16s Manager/ Coach David Seymour
U16s Coach Lucy Barnes
U14s Manager/ Coach Tom Young/ Rob Palmer
Pathway Co-ordinator Alison Palmer
Pathway Goalkeeping coach Peter Stimpson
Web Editor Stuart Fuller
Progcast Editor Ash Head
Progcast designer Barry Collins
Club Photographer James Boyes