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George played hockey for West Derby during the 1970's and 1980's and was a good player and a good clubman and there are many fond memories of his stay there. One group in particular that came to know George were a number of young players recruited by their teacher to play for West Derby. George was easy to like and he treated these young players as equals and friends regardless of their ages and he would encourage them and help them both on and off the field. George and co-driver Bob Loughridge would invariably end up taking several "Collegiate lads" to away games in the back of the Golf and he was even kind enough to bring them back. On one of these occasions George, who didn't see quite so well out of his left eye, pulled out in front of an ancient Mini that was made out of body-filler and string. There was only a slight collision but the front of the Mini disintegrated. George was straight out of the car and over to the young girl that was driving apologising and making sure she was alright. He gave her his contact details, said "Get it fixed and send me the bill and don't worry about it". It was only after she drove off did he check his own car and then only to see if it wasn't going to be a problem to go and play hockey. That was George.

George was one of those players that makes a club what it is and whether it was playing, turning up on a day off to throw lime all over the acidic pitches at Bootle Cricket Club or organising social events such as the infamous "Games Night", George would be there even through West Derby's fall and rise through the divisions and it's move to Bridgefield forum. He was not only liked and respected by the senior players the same went for the junior players and whether Georgia was aware of it at the time or not, for games, tournaments and tours she
had a few adopted brothers who were extremely well looked after by George and Carol. Unfortunately at some point in the 80's Oxton eventually outbid West Derby for George's services and he went to join their ranks. A sad result of Oxton 1 - West Derby nil.

Funeral is at 1 pm, Wednesday 2nd September at Landican, off J3 M53 near Arrowe Park. Afterwards as far as I know is at  Irby Cricket Club, Mill Hill Road, Irby, Wirral, CH61 4XQ.

Alan Jones - West Derby Hockey Club Chairman.

The footy season is back!! There is a WDHC fantasy league on the Premier League website. It looks pretty good and is updated regularly. Sign up now to avoid disappointment!

http://fantasy.premierleague.com/

The code to join the league is: 1348546-261180

WDHC News can exclusively bring you breaking news that Tony "Birko" Burke has made a U turn and come out of short term early retirement by committing his long term future to West Derby by signing a lucrative 10 year contract worth 2 Magners (On ice) per week..  Tony was a product from the clubs Youth Academy in Kirkby alongside fellow greats Ryder, Ryan, Tippler, Brannigan and Kyle.  Tony held down a 1st team place during the early part of last season and is looking to be a key player to the team this year!  "Birko" commented "I spoke with my agent Kev Ryan who has convinced me to return to the club that made me the man I am today, I am ready for the pre-season and I am looking forward to it"

Further news from a club insider is that pre-season training is to stepped up this year by Kenny"Ears"Cook to get the squads looking fit and ready for the long season ahead.  Kenny is known for his sadistic training methods and is to be supported this year by his evil henchmen Ryan, Hart and Ryder.  It has been heard that these men mean business and have no acceptance of pain and disregard feeble excuses!! 

Club training starts Thursday 13th August, 7pm - 9pm at St. Edwards College. Fitness is the key to success...

Golf Day, Royal Kirkby - 9th August 2009

Chris "Brother of Thumbs" Hart has returned to West Derby from his year long loan spell with Leek HC.  He has re-negotiated his contract which is rumoured to be worth in the region of 2 Carling Extra Cold per week.  He has been given the pride of wearing the historic number 7 shirt.

Chris commented "I am excited about the year ahead now that I have secured my future with West Derby, I am ready for the pressure of wearing the number 7 shirt which has been worn by so many quality servants throughout the years, I knew the number 7 shirt would be mine.........I kept it in my drawer from last year!!"

Player Manager Mikey Dinnell commented on the current "Upbeat" feel of the club after winning the inaugural Prescot Tournament.  He commented "Young Hart played a crucial role in securing the first silverware of the season, fitting back in with his team mates as if he had never left"  Dinnell also commented "The squad is looking good however we are always looking at other options, my main objective is to build up fitness throughout the pre-season ready to hit the new season with a bang"

A reliable source from inside the camp has added further rumour that there may be a further new signing before the season begins, with a potential foreign import on a Bosman free.  The player is yet to be announced, however WDHC Sports News spoke with agent Matt "Oz" Osmont who commented "Discussions have taken place with both parties confident a deal can be struck before the season, however nothing has been formally agreed".

Further rumours coming from the West Derby camp is that they are proposing to build a new stadium.  Moving from the hallowed but tired (Plastic) turf of St Eddies to a purpose built facility at their old home in Kirkby.  Details still to be released, however this is viewed by many to be a major development for future success with Training and Youth Development being a clear incentive behind the move.

On a final note the Club has sadly announced the release of Mike Hanton who has been a servant (Literally!) for the club for over 15 years.  Hanton commented "I can't take the pace any longer and age has caught up and wish to consider other options available"  Hanton is widely rumoured to be released on free to play for lower league Mossley Hill and a testimonial game has been penciled in for Saturday the 12th September".  He added "I intend to remain in touch with my mates and not slope off in to obscurity like other ex-players!!" 

Dinnell added "Everyone around the club is saying "Hanton's sadly missed", however this sums up his hockey career to date "Hantons Sadly Missed" was a common phrase used during his time at West Derby"

Long standing team mate and friend, Mark "The Tash" Watts commented "Mike has and always will be a good friend and I can't wait to kick Oh! I mean play against him on the 12th September.  He will be treated like any other cannon fodder on the pitch and so I wish him well for a season on the sidelines after I have immobilised him" 

Prescot Summer 7's - Champions 2009

WDHC entered a team in to the annual tournament held by Prescot HC. The tournament is a regular event in the summer pre-season calendar. The tournament is a great opportunity to play against most of our local Merseyside rivals as well as teams from Lymm, Manchester, Salford and Bolton.

The day kicked off at 10:30 with every team playing one another in a round robin format. Whilst the event was a friendly environment this did not deter every team from playing competitive hockey when the whistle blew.

The squad consisted of 10 players:

Mark Watts "In Goal!!"
"At the Back" Oz, Brett and Kenny
"Across the Middle" Dinnell, Ryder, Forshaw and Rodney (Tom)
"Up front" Chrissy Hart and Michael Flattley (Kev)

Some great individual performances by all. With particular mention:

Mark Watts "In Goal!!" – Pulled off great saves and limped off a few players, wasn’t happy with the goal conceded from a follow up off the post (School boy error)
Oz "I can do that, dribble one, dribble two, dribble three, dribble four…..Sh** I've got a nose bleed and I'm out of position"
Forshaw, Ryan and Hart – "Who can hit the hardest hockey ball competition" They must have sharpened their sticks Friday night as those keepers were reduced to nervous wrecks!!!"
Not forgetting – Gary "I want to play in Pink and Black stripes" Ryder – you just can't teach what he does!!!

Man of the tournament – Brett Roberts (Jane said Brett was her favourite so that’s good enough for me!!) Considering her husband and son were playing, well lets just leave that domestic issue to the Watts household!!

The team led the score board come the end of the day which lined up a final game with Prescot 1sts. As you would expect Prescot raised their game against their old foes and led for the majority of the game. However in typical West Derby fashion, the team not only pulled level but beat Prescot come the final whistle.

An enjoyable day capped with the first silverware of the season. Photographs of the day will be uploaded shortly!

I will leave you with a little stat' – The last time WDHC won the Prescot Tournament it led to the most successful season in the clubs history. Will history repeat?

Skips Dinnell.

Bowdon Summer League 2009

The West Derby Summer Squad is now in its fourth year.  West Derby in name but not all players are members of our wonderful club.  The squad has built up a wealth of talent from various North West clubs including Mossley Hill (Booo!), Liverpool Sefton (Booo!), Brooklands (Booo!) Southport (Booo!) and Formby (Booo!).  Not forgetting old boys Dave Dowdall and Chris Hart (Hooray!!), however I am working on getting these boys back to where they should be.  All in all the squad consisted of 21 players who played 8 games throughout June and July.

The primary aim of the squad is for players to continue to play over the summer months and ensure fitness is still there ready for pre-season in August.  However, the team is also helping to build up rapport with other clubs and improve the name of West Derby HC.  An additional gain this year was that the squad all had the opportunity to try the new rules which come in to force this season.

The team plays in the Bowden Summer League and put up against strong opposition.  The team finished second behind Bowden with two wins against Lytham who have just walked away with the North Division Two League (West).  West Derby also recorded a win and a draw against Bowdens Summer X1.

Overall the team played some great hockey over the summer with particular mention to Dave Carter who was a rock in midfield whilst Wattsy still thinks he is 21 in goal (Great saves as usual kid!) and some outstanding finishing from Kev Ryan and Chrissy Hart.

The summer games continue throughout August and September ready for the new season.

For details of 2009 games click on the teams link or if you are looking to play in the Summer League in 2010, speak to Mike Dinnell.

Golf Day, Walton Hall Gardens - 4th July 2009

Thanks to everyone that attended the recent West Derby golf day out. A good time was had by all with some straight driving and long putting!