Taylor takes charge at Cobras
7th May, 2018
Clipstone have unveiled former AFC Mansfield boss and assistant manager Micky Taylor as the new man to take charge of the Cobras as they prepare for life in Step 6 of the National League System.
He succeeds Alan Widdowson who stepped down after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Bottesford Town, the final game of a campaign that saw the Lido Ground side relegated from the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
Vice chairman Andy Sumner said in a statement on the club's website: "Micky brings vital experience into the club and is well known for his success as a local manager.
"Micky has previously been the manager of AFC Mansfield when it originally formed and won four trophies in two years including promotion into the NCEL. In those two seasons, the team lost just four times in the league, twice each year.
"He also returned to the club as assistant manager where he was highly regarded and he was pivotal in the club's promotion run in 2015/16 and their first time at step 5 in 2017.
"Micky is also bringing in an excellent local management team. Danny Tighe and Matt Millns will both be joining as assistant managers.
"Both Danny and Matt have played for the club over the years and are well known to the club and supporters.
"Last season has been a challenge for the club but we have continued to learn and build the infrastructure to take us into the new season even stronger.
"Bringing in the experience of Micky, and also that of his management team, will hopefully give us that platform for a more successful year in Step 6."
He succeeds Alan Widdowson who stepped down after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Bottesford Town, the final game of a campaign that saw the Lido Ground side relegated from the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division.
Vice chairman Andy Sumner said in a statement on the club's website: "Micky brings vital experience into the club and is well known for his success as a local manager.
"Micky has previously been the manager of AFC Mansfield when it originally formed and won four trophies in two years including promotion into the NCEL. In those two seasons, the team lost just four times in the league, twice each year.
"He also returned to the club as assistant manager where he was highly regarded and he was pivotal in the club's promotion run in 2015/16 and their first time at step 5 in 2017.
"Micky is also bringing in an excellent local management team. Danny Tighe and Matt Millns will both be joining as assistant managers.
"Both Danny and Matt have played for the club over the years and are well known to the club and supporters.
"Last season has been a challenge for the club but we have continued to learn and build the infrastructure to take us into the new season even stronger.
"Bringing in the experience of Micky, and also that of his management team, will hopefully give us that platform for a more successful year in Step 6."
(Story Source: Clipstone FC)
Cobras announce Widdowson's departure
6th May, 2018
Following their last game of the season on Saturday, Clipstone have announced that manager Alan Widdowson has stepped down.
The Cobras are now preparing for life at Step 6 in the National League Season having finished bottom of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division after what has been a very difficult season for the Nottinghamshire side.
In a statement released on the club's website, vice chairman Andy Sumner said: "We would like to thank Alan for all of his commitment and dedication and stepping up from assistant manager when Jamie Hardwick's new role at Scunthorpe United meant he could not continue his commitment as the manager.
"This support has been invaluable to the club and, whilst the results have not been ideal over the last few months, the club have given a good representation of ourselves and we have seen some great young talent grow and gain valuable experience.
"The club would like to wish Alan all the best for the future."
The Cobras are now preparing for life at Step 6 in the National League Season having finished bottom of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division after what has been a very difficult season for the Nottinghamshire side.
In a statement released on the club's website, vice chairman Andy Sumner said: "We would like to thank Alan for all of his commitment and dedication and stepping up from assistant manager when Jamie Hardwick's new role at Scunthorpe United meant he could not continue his commitment as the manager.
"This support has been invaluable to the club and, whilst the results have not been ideal over the last few months, the club have given a good representation of ourselves and we have seen some great young talent grow and gain valuable experience.
"The club would like to wish Alan all the best for the future."
(Story Source: Clipstone FC)
Hardwick steps down as Cobras boss
5th March, 2018
Clipstone have announced that Jamie Hardwick has stepped down as manager of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side having accepted a new role as head of coaching and development at Scunthorpe United.
His assistant Alan Widdowson (pictured) has accepted an invitation from the club's committee to be his successor with Hardwick continuing to be a key part of the Cobras set-up as he will support Widdowson as part of the management team.
Widdowson told Clipstone's website: "I will be doing my utmost to ensure Clipstone FC is at the heart of the community.
"I am really looking forward to continuing what Jamie and myself have already started at the club and looking to the future.
"I will put all my efforts into moving the club forward."
A club spokesperson added: "We are all delighted for Jamie and thank him for all the hard work he has put in recently and look forward to seeing him continue his support to Alan as a key member of the management team as and when his commitments allow."
His assistant Alan Widdowson (pictured) has accepted an invitation from the club's committee to be his successor with Hardwick continuing to be a key part of the Cobras set-up as he will support Widdowson as part of the management team.
Widdowson told Clipstone's website: "I will be doing my utmost to ensure Clipstone FC is at the heart of the community.
"I am really looking forward to continuing what Jamie and myself have already started at the club and looking to the future.
"I will put all my efforts into moving the club forward."
A club spokesperson added: "We are all delighted for Jamie and thank him for all the hard work he has put in recently and look forward to seeing him continue his support to Alan as a key member of the management team as and when his commitments allow."
(Story Source: Clipstone FC)
Hardwick returns to Cobras as boss
10th January, 2018
Clipstone have moved quickly to find a new manager after Ian Cotton's decision to stand down with former Cobras player Jamie Hardwick being announced as his successor.
Hardwick will be the new boss whilst keeping his current position guiding the development squad at Mansfield Town where he has won the league title in the past two seasons.
He is a UEFA A qualified coach and former Nottinghamshire football coach of the year whilst he was a successful player at senior levels of football with a professional career that was ended at the age of 23 due to injury whilst at Boston United.
Speaking on behalf of the club's committee, Andy Sumner said: "We are absolutely delighted to appoint Jamie.
"He has a fantastic reputation and vast experience in football. He understands the ethos of our club and is a very successful qualified coach.
"The club has been a big part of his life having played for us as part of a very successful playing career and he also lives locally.
"He has set up and worked at academies, identifying and developing local talent that has moved on to be very successful in the game. He has a vision of success, knows what is required by the supporters and we will assist him as much as we can.
"The last year has been very challenging for the club but we are now well set up to ensure that the club can keep driving its values of being closely linked with the community, future talent and competing at the highest level we can in a sustainable way.
"Over the past year, we have also continued to build great relationships with the Colts teams and Jamie, having been a former chairman of the Colts, will be a key link."
Hardwick added: "A lot of supporters and existing players already know me and those who don't will soon realise that I am loyal, hard-working, have a passion for success and developing players and playing football in the right way.
"The club has been a big part of my life in the past and I'm looking forward to being back at the club."
Jamie will be supported on his role by his backroom staff of Simon Ward who is UEFA A qualified and Alan Widdowson who is also qualified at UEFA B level and both bring significant experience to the team.
Their first match in the dugout will be Saturday's home Premier Division clash with Garforth Town.
Hardwick will be the new boss whilst keeping his current position guiding the development squad at Mansfield Town where he has won the league title in the past two seasons.
He is a UEFA A qualified coach and former Nottinghamshire football coach of the year whilst he was a successful player at senior levels of football with a professional career that was ended at the age of 23 due to injury whilst at Boston United.
Speaking on behalf of the club's committee, Andy Sumner said: "We are absolutely delighted to appoint Jamie.
"He has a fantastic reputation and vast experience in football. He understands the ethos of our club and is a very successful qualified coach.
"The club has been a big part of his life having played for us as part of a very successful playing career and he also lives locally.
"He has set up and worked at academies, identifying and developing local talent that has moved on to be very successful in the game. He has a vision of success, knows what is required by the supporters and we will assist him as much as we can.
"The last year has been very challenging for the club but we are now well set up to ensure that the club can keep driving its values of being closely linked with the community, future talent and competing at the highest level we can in a sustainable way.
"Over the past year, we have also continued to build great relationships with the Colts teams and Jamie, having been a former chairman of the Colts, will be a key link."
Hardwick added: "A lot of supporters and existing players already know me and those who don't will soon realise that I am loyal, hard-working, have a passion for success and developing players and playing football in the right way.
"The club has been a big part of my life in the past and I'm looking forward to being back at the club."
Jamie will be supported on his role by his backroom staff of Simon Ward who is UEFA A qualified and Alan Widdowson who is also qualified at UEFA B level and both bring significant experience to the team.
Their first match in the dugout will be Saturday's home Premier Division clash with Garforth Town.
(Story Source: Clipstone FC)
Cotton steps down as Cobras boss
10th January, 2018
Clipstone have announced that Ian Cotton has stepped down as manager of the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side with immediate effect.
The news comes following the Cobras' exit from this season's Nottinghamshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night on penalties at East Midlands Counties League hosts Dunkirk.
The North Nottinghamshire side are also bottom of the table, yet to pick up a point in their 23 league matches.
His departure comes almost exactly a year after he joined his hometown club last January to help it maintain its NCEL status after it almost dropped out of the competition.
In a statement on the club's website, Cotton said: "After thinking long and hard, I have decided to step down as first team manager of Clipstone FC.
"Since taking over last year, I hope that myself, the staff and the players have left the club with memories of some strong, passionate performances and reaching the second preliminary rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase.
"I have assembled a group of players that are mainly from my previous club Blidworth Welfare as well as other local clubs.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players for the support they have showed for the club and myself under difficult circumstances. They have given it their all for myself and the club."
Clipstone's committee have thanked Cotton for all his efforts and hard work, with vice-chairman Andy Sumner adding: "Firstly, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Ian and his management team for all of their support over the past twelve months.
"Ian has been an incredible support to the club and one of the best 'club men' you could ever wish for, and we are sad that he was unable to bring us the success he desperately wanted for the club. Certainly, luck hasn't gone our way this season.
"Without Ian and the team, we possibly wouldn't have a team competing at this level. He came in and stabilised the club at a very difficult time.
"I will be always indebted to his and everyone's support.
"We hope Ian will be able to continue to play a role at the club and he will always be welcome here.
"We owe a lot to Ian, his management and also the players of who we hope will continue at the club."
The news comes following the Cobras' exit from this season's Nottinghamshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night on penalties at East Midlands Counties League hosts Dunkirk.
The North Nottinghamshire side are also bottom of the table, yet to pick up a point in their 23 league matches.
His departure comes almost exactly a year after he joined his hometown club last January to help it maintain its NCEL status after it almost dropped out of the competition.
In a statement on the club's website, Cotton said: "After thinking long and hard, I have decided to step down as first team manager of Clipstone FC.
"Since taking over last year, I hope that myself, the staff and the players have left the club with memories of some strong, passionate performances and reaching the second preliminary rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase.
"I have assembled a group of players that are mainly from my previous club Blidworth Welfare as well as other local clubs.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the players for the support they have showed for the club and myself under difficult circumstances. They have given it their all for myself and the club."
Clipstone's committee have thanked Cotton for all his efforts and hard work, with vice-chairman Andy Sumner adding: "Firstly, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Ian and his management team for all of their support over the past twelve months.
"Ian has been an incredible support to the club and one of the best 'club men' you could ever wish for, and we are sad that he was unable to bring us the success he desperately wanted for the club. Certainly, luck hasn't gone our way this season.
"Without Ian and the team, we possibly wouldn't have a team competing at this level. He came in and stabilised the club at a very difficult time.
"I will be always indebted to his and everyone's support.
"We hope Ian will be able to continue to play a role at the club and he will always be welcome here.
"We owe a lot to Ian, his management and also the players of who we hope will continue at the club."
(Story Source: Clipstone FC)
Stags friendly arranged following vandalism
2nd November, 2017
Clipstone have announced a date for a fundraising game at home to local Football League side Mansfield Town after their clubhouse was hit by vandals at the weekend.
Stags boss Steve Evans offered to take a strong team to play the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side on Tuesday 28th November, ko 7pm, after yobs caused thousands of pounds' worth of damage.
Catering equipment was smashed and the walls smothered with sauce on Saturday evening and the Cobras have since set up a crowdfunding page to help pay for the damage.
They have almost reached their ?2,000 target but they need more help to get there. Click here to find out more and donate.
After seeing what had happened at the Worksop Van Hire Stadium, the gaffer contacted Clipstone vice-chairman Andy Sumner with the offer of a friendly to help raise funds for the restoration of their clubhouse.
"I wanted to help the people at Clipstone who have worked so hard to build their club," said Evans.
"I know their great pride for their facilities at the Worksop Van Hire Stadium and it's important to the community of Mansfield that we help Clipstone in any way we can during this setback.
"These are Mansfield people who are badly affected by what took place at the weekend and I felt it only right that we help them restore their facilities as best they can."
A Clipstone spokesperson said: "We are overwhelmed and indebted to [Mansfield Town chairman and owner] John Radford and Steve Evans for their support."
Stags boss Steve Evans offered to take a strong team to play the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side on Tuesday 28th November, ko 7pm, after yobs caused thousands of pounds' worth of damage.
Catering equipment was smashed and the walls smothered with sauce on Saturday evening and the Cobras have since set up a crowdfunding page to help pay for the damage.
They have almost reached their ?2,000 target but they need more help to get there. Click here to find out more and donate.
After seeing what had happened at the Worksop Van Hire Stadium, the gaffer contacted Clipstone vice-chairman Andy Sumner with the offer of a friendly to help raise funds for the restoration of their clubhouse.
"I wanted to help the people at Clipstone who have worked so hard to build their club," said Evans.
"I know their great pride for their facilities at the Worksop Van Hire Stadium and it's important to the community of Mansfield that we help Clipstone in any way we can during this setback.
"These are Mansfield people who are badly affected by what took place at the weekend and I felt it only right that we help them restore their facilities as best they can."
A Clipstone spokesperson said: "We are overwhelmed and indebted to [Mansfield Town chairman and owner] John Radford and Steve Evans for their support."
(Story Source: Clipstone FC)
Ex-Cobra loving life in Norway
25th June, 2017
Former Clipstone player George Milner says he is thoroughly enjoying life in Scandinavia where he currenlty plies his trade with Norwegian side Valdres FK.
Milner was a big hit at the Worksop Van Hire Stadium due to his blistering pace, having progressed through the ranks with Chesterfield.
He made an impact in the second half of the 2015/16 season, making six appearances for Clipstone and scoring two goals before becoming a major part of the following campaign when he re-signed with the Cobras in a two-way deal with Buxton of the Evo-Stik League.
Milner (pictured playing for Clipstone against Bridlington Town) featured in sixteen games, scoring six goals and earning five man-of-the-match awards, before going on to sign a professional contract in March with Valdres, who play in the fourth tier of Norwegian football.
He told Clipstone's website: "I'm loving it in Norway, the people here are really friendly and helpful.
"At first, it was very cold when I got here which was March 28th. Initially, I was very homesick, not least because I was told on Sunday that I needed to fly out on Tuesday morning so everything happened so quickly and I didn't really have time for it all to sink in.
"I live with three other lads - two from England and one from Sweden - so there is always something to do, if that is playing some golf, fishing, going on walks or bike rides, or just chilling out in our apartment watching TV and playing some FIFA.
"They are a good bunch of lads and they're always making you laugh, which is nice."
When asked about the standard of football and attendances in Norway, Milner answered: "The standard is very good over here.
"I was surprised at how good the standard actually is, there are some quality players in our team as well as other teams.
"Most of them could easily earn a professional contact in England.
"I would say it's slightly better than the Evo-Stik League level, which is a very good level in England.
"The furthest travel to a game is about three-and-a-half hours away. Where I live, there are around 4,500-5,000 people so, at our games, we get a good attendance of 400 people watching, but we always get 75+ fans watching our away games which is superb.
"Depending on who we play in our league, some of the better supported teams have over 2,000 fans which is always nice to play against."
Footage of Milner curling a beautifully crafted free-kick into the top left corner of the goal has been circulating on social media and he admits that was one of his highlights so far.
He added: "The other stand out moment for me was making my debut for Valdres in the first game of the season against the title favourites Eidsvold TF which we won 2-0.
"So, that was a proud moment for me and my family, and I hope there are many more moments like that to come in my career."
(Photo: AJS Productions, Interview: Mark Asher)
Milner was a big hit at the Worksop Van Hire Stadium due to his blistering pace, having progressed through the ranks with Chesterfield.
He made an impact in the second half of the 2015/16 season, making six appearances for Clipstone and scoring two goals before becoming a major part of the following campaign when he re-signed with the Cobras in a two-way deal with Buxton of the Evo-Stik League.
Milner (pictured playing for Clipstone against Bridlington Town) featured in sixteen games, scoring six goals and earning five man-of-the-match awards, before going on to sign a professional contract in March with Valdres, who play in the fourth tier of Norwegian football.
He told Clipstone's website: "I'm loving it in Norway, the people here are really friendly and helpful.
"At first, it was very cold when I got here which was March 28th. Initially, I was very homesick, not least because I was told on Sunday that I needed to fly out on Tuesday morning so everything happened so quickly and I didn't really have time for it all to sink in.
"I live with three other lads - two from England and one from Sweden - so there is always something to do, if that is playing some golf, fishing, going on walks or bike rides, or just chilling out in our apartment watching TV and playing some FIFA.
"They are a good bunch of lads and they're always making you laugh, which is nice."
When asked about the standard of football and attendances in Norway, Milner answered: "The standard is very good over here.
"I was surprised at how good the standard actually is, there are some quality players in our team as well as other teams.
"Most of them could easily earn a professional contact in England.
"I would say it's slightly better than the Evo-Stik League level, which is a very good level in England.
"The furthest travel to a game is about three-and-a-half hours away. Where I live, there are around 4,500-5,000 people so, at our games, we get a good attendance of 400 people watching, but we always get 75+ fans watching our away games which is superb.
"Depending on who we play in our league, some of the better supported teams have over 2,000 fans which is always nice to play against."
Footage of Milner curling a beautifully crafted free-kick into the top left corner of the goal has been circulating on social media and he admits that was one of his highlights so far.
He added: "The other stand out moment for me was making my debut for Valdres in the first game of the season against the title favourites Eidsvold TF which we won 2-0.
"So, that was a proud moment for me and my family, and I hope there are many more moments like that to come in my career."
(Photo: AJS Productions, Interview: Mark Asher)
(Story Source: Clipstone)
New coach at Cobras
20th June, 2017
Clipstone have furthered bolstered their coaching staff with James Humphreys joining the backroom staff at the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division club.
Well-experienced Humphreys started out as a coach with Cambridge United at their development centre before moving onto Boston United working with their u15s centre of excellence squad.
He was also involved locally at Shirebrook Town last season and has been assistant manager to the RAF Regiment football team.
Manager Ian Cotton says he is delighted to have Humphreys on board, telling the Cobras' website: "James has a proven track record and he is highly qualified.
"As well as being a good organiser, with bags of energy, James has a great sense of humour so he is able to relax people. I have no doubt the players will respond well to his coaching methods."
Humphreys will join fellow coaches Danny Tighe, Ian Birtley and Steve Smith working alongside Cotton as the club look forward to the new season that begins in August.
Well-experienced Humphreys started out as a coach with Cambridge United at their development centre before moving onto Boston United working with their u15s centre of excellence squad.
He was also involved locally at Shirebrook Town last season and has been assistant manager to the RAF Regiment football team.
Manager Ian Cotton says he is delighted to have Humphreys on board, telling the Cobras' website: "James has a proven track record and he is highly qualified.
"As well as being a good organiser, with bags of energy, James has a great sense of humour so he is able to relax people. I have no doubt the players will respond well to his coaching methods."
Humphreys will join fellow coaches Danny Tighe, Ian Birtley and Steve Smith working alongside Cotton as the club look forward to the new season that begins in August.
(Story Source: Clipstone)
Tables
| NCEL Premier Division | P | Pts | +/- | ||
| P | 1 | Pontefract Collieries | 42 | 102 | 96 |
| P | 2 | Pickering Town | 42 | 96 | 75 |
| P | 3 | AFC Mansfield | 42 | 96 | 67 |
| 4 | Handsworth Parr | 42 | 85 | 43 | |
| 5 | Maltby Main | 42 | 75 | 31 | |
| 6 | Hemsworth MW | 42 | 72 | 27 | |
| 7 | Penistone Church | 42 | 72 | 27 | |
| 8 | Bottesford Town | 42 | 69 | 9 | |
| 9 | Bridlington Town | 42 | 64 | 21 | |
| R | 10 | Rainworth MW | 42 | 63 | -5 |
| 11 | Liversedge | 42 | 57 | 3 | |
| 12 | Barton Town (-1) | 42 | 55 | -12 | |
| 13 | Garforth Town | 42 | 52 | -29 | |
| 14 | Albion Sports | 42 | 48 | -8 | |
| 15 | Thackley | 42 | 47 | -9 | |
| 16 | Staveley MW | 42 | 47 | -31 | |
| 17 | Athersley Rec | 42 | 46 | -23 | |
| 18 | Worksop Town | 42 | 46 | -26 | |
| 19 | Hall Road Rangers (-12) | 42 | 43 | -1 | |
| 20 | Harrogate Railway Ath | 42 | 31 | -62 | |
| R | 21 | Parkgate | 42 | 26 | -58 |
| R | 22 | Clipstone | 42 | 2 | -135 |
| NCEL Division One | P | Pts | +/- | ||
| P | 1 | Knaresborough | 42 | 100 | 61 |
| P | 2 | Yorkshire Amateur | 42 | 88 | 77 |
| 3 | Grimsby Borough | 42 | 85 | 57 | |
| P | 4 | Eccleshill United | 42 | 85 | 48 |
| 5 | Shirebrook Town | 42 | 81 | 31 | |
| 6 | Glasshoughton Welfare | 42 | 77 | 31 | |
| 7 | Selby Town | 42 | 75 | 34 | |
| 8 | Hallam | 42 | 73 | 42 | |
| 9 | Campion | 42 | 73 | 30 | |
| 10 | Winterton Rangers | 42 | 61 | 2 | |
| 11 | Swallownest | 42 | 58 | -11 | |
| 12 | AFC Emley | 42 | 57 | -5 | |
| 13 | Rossington Main | 42 | 53 | -14 | |
| 14 | Dronfield Town | 42 | 52 | -13 | |
| 15 | Ollerton Town | 42 | 47 | -24 | |
| 16 | Armthorpe Welfare | 42 | 46 | -25 | |
| 17 | Nostell MW | 42 | 40 | -36 | |
| 18 | East Yorks Carnegie | 42 | 34 | -34 | |
| 19 | Worsbrough Bridge | 42 | 33 | -48 | |
| 20 | FC Bolsover (-6) | 42 | 30 | -76 | |
| R | 21 | Brigg Town | 42 | 29 | -54 |
| R | 22 | Retford United | 42 | 24 | -73 |