retired_mjs74

The start of something new…

Fort William AFC, situated at the base of Ben Nevis, is an old, worn down club. Sheltered stands consist of thin wooden planks nailed together unconvincingly. If health and safety officials could be bothered, they’d probably shut the place down but with new owners moving in, gradually and finally, the people of Fort William appear keen on what will happen with their humble town.

NEW COMERS ENTERTAIN A FORTRESS LIFE
The Oban Times
January 17th 2005

English investors have promised to bring “something new and exciting” to the town of Fort William after paper work was finalised over the sale of FW AFC. Former owner, Mr James Carter is believed to have sold the potential of the club more than anything with an investment team determined on turning the club Pro.

Town’s folk have met discussions with mixed emotion after it was said that the club may be renamed but after such a cloudy and poor history over recent season, many locals feel the club needs to be revamped to move forward.

An investment has initially been made to construct a new stadium with plans already under way and it is believed that the new stadium will be situated within the mountainous setting in a bid to try and intimidate opponents who’ll eventually come here.

Last night, a spokes person on behalf of the investment team said:
“My clients will put in the time, financial clout and energy to make this town have a successful football club. Plans are already underway for a new stadium and a search for new players is ongoing with the current staff at the club holding no future with the side.”

retired_earthy

More More More More!!!!

retired_mjs74

January 20th 2005

With plans rushed through, accepted and put into action, suddenly the fairytale idea was taking place. After a round of Golf at the fabulous Traigh Golf Course, Williamson and Solomon walk to the local pub to begin discussing plans more thoroughly.

“Ok, this list that you made was it just the drink or was it good.” Flip asks when recalling the drunken night in December.
“It was Ok. Peacemaker7 gave some good names too. But if they are up to the job I am not sure. It was basically a list of lads I’ve worked with plus a few of Peacemakers. Why what you got in mind?”
“Well if we have a kitty, we could get our lads, for the first season at least, to go pro. Lets give ourselves the best chance of going places. With your tactical knowledge and clout and contacts and so forth, my cash, I really actually think we can do this.” Williamson ponders for a second as he gazes over the local loch.

“Well firstly, we need Peacemaker in on this. He’ll be just the job. It sort of extends our contacts by 3 already and he’s a good lad.”
“Who else was on your list then? We’ve got the cash, we need to go on a serious mission for players and so forth?” enquires Flip.
“The list?” Luke reaches into his pocket for the piece of paper which has more scribbles than a schoolboy’s notepad. “Here we go…”

retired_earthy

I'm on the edge of my seat!

retired_aurie1201

*uskopite sit's by his phone mumbling . . .watching reruns of the US v SCOTLAND friendly* "fricking SCOTS! Don't know what all, besides trying to punch the other team up. Sure wish I had me a SCOT coach though. They have such neee accents. :p

retired_narpinder

Good start mate! KUTGW!

retired_mjs74

MEET THE PLAYERS…
23rd January 2005

Williamson signs the papers for his new PC from the delivery bloke and walks into the hall way to find Flipsix3 already opening the boxes. Flip is tearing away like a child at Xmas and after half an hour or so, the pair finally seem to have it all in some working order.

Once again it is a cold, damp evening but now Scotland provides the backdrop for the duo who, after a week or so in the Loch region of Fort William, have bought a place they can call their HQ. Peacemaker is on the first flight out the following day and then the real fun can begin.

As the internet is finally up and running, Williamson e-mails an old colleague who is presently working with Michael Pilcher (King Mike) down at Derbyshire County FA.

With that done, Flip begins to make a start on writing up contract offers and arranges a meeting with the local building society and banks to set-up accounts and so forth. With that in place, Flip sets out limits on what the club will be able to afford in terms of wages, signing on fee’s and staff fee’s. All in all, the club looks in good shape from day one however and Williamson’s plans to prove himself as the best boss outside the Football League are well underway.

With Williamson himself, set to play as a Player-Boss under the name of Okkas, Peacemaker pondering over a Player/Assistant offer and Flipsix3 up for a swan-song season or two in his career which is set to re-ignite, the guys agree that to make this thing possible, they need a playing squad of at least 20.

During that evening, with take-aways ordered and phone bills mounting, Williamson makes what is set to be his first positive phone call. For somebody actually thinks the idea is a great one and not only that, he is willing to turn down a chance with Hinckley United to make it happen.

“Hello Matty, how are things fella?, it’s Luke”
“Lukey boy, ayup. Yeah good good. What’s the story?” says an chirpy Matt_no_7.

Matt Warner as he is officially known, at the age of 21, Matt is a exciting young player who, due to injuries, saw his chances of going pro dashed a few years back after persistent knee injuries. But, with 2 seasons without injuries under his belt at Midland Combination League level, Matt is another who is now qualified as a coach, thus meeting once upon a time with Williamson.

“So you’ve got a proper managers job?” says Matt in a surprised but excited tone. “That is awesome.”
“Cheers Matt. Listen, if you are interested in getting involved, why not come and see us up in Scotland. We can put together some sort of deal for you and see how things go”. But with that, Williamson has killed several conversations due to people having not enough faith in a ambitious task.

Matt_no_7: Matt Warner
Born in Leicester in August 1983, Warner enjoyed a bright start to his footballing life with lots of potential starting to bring results by the age of 13. After trials with Northampton Town in 1998, Matt suffered a series of injuries which saw his chances of going pro ruined.

However, in recent years, Matt_no_7 has begun to produce the form at Combination League level which saw him push close for a YTS deal and despite interest from Hinckley United, Matt’s future was still set to be decided.

A Loyal and composed player, Matt’s biggest notable attribute is his ability to show boat at the best, and sometimes worst, of times. A attacking midfield man who can also play up top, Matt is the type who likes to get stuck in when needed although his fair approach has won him many admirers at non-league level.

A tall forward player, Matt posseses a fair amount of pace and can finish well but has a lot to learn in terms of defensive work and movement from set-pieces such as corner.

Matt is a massive Leeds United fan and see’s Alan Smith as one of his favourite players despite the England man now plying his trade at Manchester United.

retired_mjs74

FORT WILLIAM THE PLACE TO BE
The Oban Times Michael Jacobs reports
25th January 2005

After the hugely surprising take over of Fort William AFC, changes are already underway to make the club a huge success. Dave Solomon, the main man behind the cash at the new club, released a statement yesterday explaining:
Planning permission has been granted by the local council meanwhile for work on the new stadium to begin and the new owners are welcoming locals to contribute ideas and names for the new ground, targeted for a August opening.

shannon2007

Well we expected the best, and it doesn't dissapoint so far :thup:

retired_mjs74

TRIALS SET FOR MAJOR TALENT SEARCH
January 29th 2005

With early indications proving that life will be tough in building a squad to locate themselves in Fort William and call the Scottish town ‘home’, Peacemaker7 and Flipsix3 decide that a trial session may be the way to move things forward. A weeks worth of trials is announced to the public with Glasgow, Edinburgh, Gateshead and Leeds all targeted, Williamson feels his time would be better spent down south following up players he has worked with in the past.

With this decided, Peacemaker7 agrees that this venture sounds to exciting to turn down, and once he see’s the plans for the new stadium, he can’t grab his pen quick enough to sign a player/assistant role.

PEACEMAKER7

Although primarily a Coach now that he is classed as a veteran at the age of 33, Scot Stuart Redmond, better known as Peacemaker, is an attacking style coach who can slot well in as a left midfielder himself.

Born in Glasgow, Peacemaker is a keen follower of Forfar Athletic and will thrive in his new role as he possesses the confidence in his own ability to take a club such as this forward.

With age against him in terms of playing, it works in his favour from a coaching point of view with wise head allowing him to see the game from a whole different approach. But Peacemaker is very ambitious. Many close to him would question if he could handle being a number 2 but in the circumstances, he should settle well in a club which will be a huge novelty for the time being.