User:PoliticsFC

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Politics F.C.

Politics FC
Full name Politics Football Club
Nickname(s) The Tickers
Founded 2001
Ground Wyncote
Liverpool, England
(Capacity 2,000)
Manager Flag of Spain James Charlton
League Campus Football
Campus Football Sunday League 2007-08 3rd
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
 
Home colours
Team colours Team colours Team colours
Team colours
Team colours
 
Away colours


Politics Football Club, founded in 2000, are an English amateur football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. They play in the University of Liverpool Campus Football League consist mainly of current politics students. They won the ID Cup in 2001, their only silverware to date. The bond within politics has been forged on the pitch, but strenghtened in the bar, whether it's Kelly's Dispensary on Smithdown Road (2002-2004)&(2006-) or in the Dovedale Towers, situated on the famous Penny Lane (2004-2006). They were once known as Athletico Smithdown and also Real Politik FC.

Contents

[edit] Early Years

Politics F.C. were founded at the turn of the 21st century to compete in the newly formed Interdepartmental League in the 2000/2001 season. In this season, they won the first ever ID Cup, which remains the club’s only ever trophy. The following season, however, the club did not enter a team in either the league, or cup. Politics F.C. were reformed as Real Politik for the 2002/2003 season, as an offshoot of the newly formed politics society, by Politics students Phil Child and Dan Jones and have competed in both the Wednesday and Sunday leagues in each subsequent season, other than the 2006/2007 season, when Tesco's purchase of much of the University's sports fields at Wycote meant that the number of teams in each league was vastly reduced and that Politics could only enter a team in the Wednesday league. Politics have only ever been out of the top division in either the Wednesday or Sunday league's for one season, being relegated after the 2004/2005 season (despite the fact that they finished mid table in both the Wednesday and Sunday leagues) before regaining promotion the following season by finishing second in the Wednesday league.

Season Wednesday Division Position Sunday Division Position ID CUP Plate Supercup 7-a-side Tournament Top scorer Players Player
2000-01 ID League Division 1 Unknown ID League Division 1 Unknown W n/a n/a n/a Unknown Unknown
2001-02 Did not enter N/A Did not enter N/A Did not enter n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
2002-03 ID League Division 1 Unknown ID League Division 1 Unknown Unknown n/a n/a n/a Unknown Unknown
2003-04 ID League Division 1 Unknown ID League Division 1 Unknown Unknown n/a n/a n/a Unknown Unknown
2004-05 ID League Division 1 5th ID League Division 1 6th QF n/a n/a R1 Andy Thomas Pete Winters
2005-06 ID League Division 2 2nd ID League Division 2 4th n/a SF n/a QF Gavin Millard Stephen Yates/Ade Maxwell
2006-07 Campus Football League Division 1 5th n/a n/a R1 n/a n/a QF Joe Eastwood Tom Murphy
2007-08 Campus Football Division 1 5th Campus Football League Division 1 3rd SF n/a n/a SF Joe Eastwood Joe Eastwood

[edit] 2004/2005 season

The 2004/2005 season saw Jim Higgins run the team, with help from Dave Willoughby. One of Higgins bigggest successes was enlisting a number of players, the squad having been severely depleted from the season before due to a large number of players graduating. Despite some heavy losses, notably losing 7-0 to Law, Politics finished fifth, narrowly missing out on a place in the Plate. Their best league performance came when the beat the then league leaders R&G Old Boys by a goal to nil, with David Byrne scoring on a cameo appearance. Politics enjoyed a good run in the cup, dispatching Vets and Rankin before going out to History in the quarter finals.

Defender Peter Winters won Player's Player of the Season, Andy Thomas was top goal scorer and Ryan Durance won Manager's player of the year.

[edit] 2005/2006 season

The 2005/2006 season saw Peter Winters manage the Wednesday team with Tom Chamberlain as captain whilst Ryan Durance both captained and managed the Sunday team. Having been bizaarely relegated despite mid-table finishes the previous season, Politics were in Division 2 in both leagues. Politics added to their squad from the previous season with Stephen Yates, Tom McClelland, Owen Larter and Gavin Millard coming into the team. Yates became the star of what was already a good defence, McClelland gave options all over the pitch whilst Larter and Millard finally gave Politics some goalscoring edge. A fine start to the season in the Wednesday league ended in controversial style, when Law B beat them 5-3 with two goals coming from an inelligible player. Eventally, Politics only stumbled into second place securing both promotion and a place in the plate after a disappointing defeat to Sociology made it look as though they would miss out on promotion. Politics went straight into the semi-finals of (a heavily reduced in size) plate and were drawn against Real D&R and lost 1-0. The Sunday team finished fifth in their league and took great delight in gaining revenge on Law B by beating them comfortably. Stephen Yates almost unanimously won player's player of the year for the Wednesday team, Andrew Robson won Manager's player. Adie Maxwell won player's player for the Sunday team and Tom McClelland won manager's player. Andrew 'Wurzal' Matthews was the Clubman of the year.

[edit] 2006/2007 season

Owen Larter and Tom McClelland, the managerial team for 2006/2007 consolidated Politics F.C.'s position in the top flight as they finished fourth, after notable wins against Ex-McNair and Comecon. Tom Murphy became the first Politics player to represent the ID Select XI after a season of impressive displays from centre-half; he was also named player's player of the year. Phil Rudd won manager's player of the year, Joe Eastwood was top goalscorer, Tom McClelland won clubman of the year and Dave Willoughby was honoured for his remarkable four year career with a lifetime acheivement award. The closure of the Dovedale Towers meant that Politics returned to their previous sponsors: Kelly's Dispensary, who gave Larter and McClelland money financing the purchase of a new kit.

With Politics competing in only the Wednesday of the Campus League, Larter and McClelland have shared managerial responsibility for 'the onslaught on division one' (as pertained to on the September recruiting poster). Things started brightly for Polsoc, with encouraging displays in friendlies against CSKA Morton and History 'A'. The opening day of the season resulted in an emphatic 5-1 win for Politics, against Liverpool Engineers. This game saw Joe Eastwood's first, and second goal in the blue of Politics. Eastwood was one of numerous exciting summer signings, among, most notably ex-Semi Proffessional Tom Murphy. Politics' second game ensured they took 6 from 6.

Despite a well-prayed Christian Union side, Politics ran out comfortable 5-0 winners, with a brace from Owen Larter, and one a peice from Eastwood, Tom Burton and 'Irish' Phil O'Neill.In the third match of the season, the brand new kits turned out only to be a scant consolation as Politics recorded thier joint record-heaviest defeat by losing 7-0 to Real D&R. This was followed by some vapid displays in friendlies, including a 5-1 defeat to the 2003/04 'Old Boys'. These matches were a discouraging precurser to Politics' fourth match, a match in which a win was in desperate need.

The opponents, Ex-Mcnair had won two from two, and a defeat would deem a top four finish unlikely for the boys in blue. Larter and McClelland bravely opted for a 3-5-2 formation, in response to the missing Jim Hughes. The change in formation looked to have started off disastrously, with Ex-McNair grabbing a goal within a minute of kick-off. Politics replied by displaying their legendary spirit, in what turned out to be one all the all-time great Politics games. Despite being behind, Politics levelled through Eastwood, before Burton and O'Neill grabbed their 2nd goals of the season. Ex-McNair proved they were no also-rans as they fought back to level the game at 3-3 with only 20 minutes remaining. Despite both teams going close, it was Politics who prevailed - with Larter winning, and netting, the vital penalty.

Politics' fifth outing was the eagerly anticipated clash between the interdepartmental giants that are Law and Politics. Fresh from the 3-1 friendly victory over Law B, Politics FC met Law A at Greenbank, again changing their fotmation to incorporate Scouse hardman Dave Atherton, with goal machine Joe Eastwood dropping to the bench. A hugely physical affair which threatened to get out of hand in the first half, did get out of hand during the second period. Law A sent Politics home battered, bruised and disappointed - winning 3-1. The resumption of post-christmas fixtures than saw Politics travel to Maryton Grange to take on English, a team who were lying in a similar posiiton to PFC. The game couldn't have started better for Politics, with manager Owen Larter muscling his way through the defence before firing in from all of 20-yards - a possible goal of the season contender. Politics went 2-0 up thanks to a Phil Rudd strike from a badly dealt with corner. This, despite being in the opening half hour, was the last goal of the game, and Politics finished their sixth game with four wins, two defeats and twelve points.

Possibly the most keenly awaited fixture of the league season was Politics vs. CSKA Morton. Played the day after Liverpool's Champions League victory over Barcelona, PFC's start mirrored that of a team who celebrated their city's victory with gusto. 3-0 down after twenty minutes, Tom Burton scrambled in a Tom McClelland free-kick to give the boys in blue hope, before CSKA made in 4-1 going into half-time. An unlikely comeback started as Tom Burton scored a wonder-goal from twenty yards out, striking the ball into the top corner.

Within twenty-five minutes of the second half kick-off, Politics had made it 4-3 - Eastwood cooly slotting in a penalty. With emotions running high, Phil Rudd volleyed onto the bar, Tom Murphy had a header cleared off-the-line and Garcia had a decent shot saved. But with only five minutes left, CSKA broke Politics hearts with a winning goal on the break-a-way. Full time 5-3.

One of the highlights of the second-half of the season was the exciting signing of Tom Higgins. Used as a substitute in an Old Boys match, the younger brother of legendary manager Jim scored and got an assist in a 5-3 defeat. Tom Higgins then put together a fine set of displays and was awarded Man of the Match on multiple occasions.

PFC's battle for the league's top places pitted them against a tough-tackling History team. Unsurprisingly, Politics' firebrand midfielder Dave Atherton sported a bloody nose at the end of the 4-1 defeat. Eastwood had put Politics in the lead at Maryton Grange. The final match of the season was easily Politics' best, as they tackled the undefeated Comecon 'A'. With Owen Larter out injured, Politics reverted to a 4-5-1 formation, with veteran midfielder Dave Willoughby slotting in 'the hole'. Politics fell two goals down early on, and things did not look good for the boys in blue. Their breakthrough came from a corner which fell on the edge of the area to none other than 'Old Man' Dave. He dispatched his strike high into the net amid scenes of euphoria on the sidelines. The self-proclaimed 'Politics FC Mad Dogs' were in full force on the sidelines as they spurred Politics on to another goal. Joe Eastwood scored it with a trademark through ball and chipped finsh, PFC were then awarded a penalty, which Eastwood finished with aplomb, ensuring the ticcers went into half-time 3-2 up.

Comecon proved they weren't unbeaten for nothing, and equalised after a period of sustained pressure. The leveller only seemed to spur Politics on further, as almost straight away, Tom Higgins beat two men before supplying a ball into the box - a Tom Murphy flick on allowed Eastwood to finish, it was his hat-trick and 9th goal of a fine debut season. A Comecon own-goal late on secured the 5-3 victory. Politics finshed 5th as Law 'A' scooped the title, thanks to Comecon's demise at the hands of Politics.

[edit] 2007/2008 season

The 2007/2008 season saw James Charlton and Joe Eastwood as Politics' Manager and Captain. They competed in the Premier Divisions of both the Wednesday and Sunday Campus League. This was Politics' first season in the top flight of both divisions since they were relegated in the 2004/2005 season.

The season started ominously, with heavy to defeats to the Liverpool University team and Medics 'A' in the Sunday league and a last-minute defeat to Maths on a Wednesday. Politics did however recover from their faltering start, by beating both Dentists and Dale two goals to one - and thrashing the eventual sunday league runners-up Spartak Roscoe 4-1 at Greenbank. It was one of their most thrilling performances, as they stormed to a 3-0 lead after twenty minutes. A hard-fought 3-3 draw against Rankin Boys at Maryton Grange saw Politics head into the Christmas break mid-table in both divisions.

Although September 2007 did see the likes of Steve Wilding, Phil O'Neill and Tom Higgins return to PFC action, it was essentially a new side that was battling on both fronts. This was accentuated due to Higgins' contraversial ineligibility for the Sunday outfit. New Politics stars included the centre-back partnership of 'big' Will Dickson and Ben Duerden, a Northern Irish central-midfield dynamo by the name of Mat Anderson and 'Scouse' Joe Mulhearn. The new players became integral on-and-off the pitch. Ben Duerden picked up the first two league Man of the Match awards, and memorably, Mulhearn's debut featured an outrageous lob against the University's Jimmy Lyons. Theren were also cameos for Politics legends Jimmy Hester, David Willoughby and Ady Maxwell.

PFC's January return was nothing short of awful. A renewed rivalry with Ex-McNair ended in a 1-1 stalemate, which was followed by defeats to Lady Mountford Ladyboys (3-2), History A (5-1) and Borussia Moenchengladbach (2-1). Politics went on their 2008 tour a broken set of players, but came back a team. A bizzarre 3-2 defeat to semi-professional outfit AFC Rutherford from the Northern Alliance League One seemed to instill a sense of confidence and belief into the relegation-flirting Politics team.

March saw Politics return in spectacular style, thumping Vetinary Sciences 13-0 at the Wyncote. It broke the previous record as Politics biggest ever win. A draw with Law was followed by victories over DMC D&R and English, and a stunning 8-3 win against long-time rivals Smithdown Eagles (Law's Sunday outfit).

This ensured Politics secured their league status in the Wednesday league by finishing 5th. They also recorded their best ever ID League finish by coming 3rd in the Sunday division (behind Medics 'A' and Spartak Roscoe).

[edit] 2008 Cup Run

Unbeaten since February, Politics entered the cup full of expectation. They didn't disappoint in the 1st round as they smashed Engineers 8-1. A truly stunning performance from Joe Eastwood saw him score 5 goals when in truth, he was supplied with little more. Tom Higgins also leapt to score from a corner, a tactic that became an integral part of Politics' cup run.

The last 16 was a sterner test against Lady Mountford House Halls team, who had netted 11 in their first round fixture. Tom Higgins again rose to earn himself the moniker of 'salmon', and Politics the lead after 15 minutes. A sublime team goal followed to put the boys in blue 2-1 up. A fantastic chest down by Joe Mulhearn allowed him to play James Charlton in on the right. His first time cross matched the run of top-marksman Eastwood perfectly, who slotted home with aplomb. Another Eastwood strike saw Politics head in at half-time 3-1 up. Despite the plucky halls team grabbing a goal twenty minutes to the end, a resolute Politics defence stood tall. Each one of the now-regimented back four of Tom Higgins, Will Dickson, Ben Duerden and Joe McPaul played superbly, Will winning Man of the Match for his efforts.

The Quarter-Final draw saw Politics once again lock halls with Lady Mountford Ladyboys, who had beaten PFC 3-2 in shocking conditions at Maryton Grange. Politics had numerous absentees that day and were the favourites heading into the clash. No sooner had Tommy Higgins yet again leapt to give Politics the lead, the heavens opened and the Wyncote became a swamp. Despite the treacherous conditions, the Quarter-Final was a hard-fought game, and the Ladyboys netted superbly from a free-kick just before half time, to the delight of their large fanbase braving the rain. Politics kicked off the 2nd half with confidence, sure they could secure their place in the Semi-Final. The Ladyboys had other ideas and with only ten minutes played in the 2nd half, a poorly-dealt with corner gave them the lead, a lead which was doubled within minutes - a sliced cross finding the top corner, leaving new 'keeper Rory McGovern helpless. As time dragged on Politics went close twice, superb work from Joe Mulhearn creating space but his shot was well saved. With twenty minutes to go and cup exit looming large, Jim Dawson came on for defensive battler Shaun Little as Politics went 4-3-3. Dawson made an immediate impact, chasing down a loose ball on the left, he won it and delivered a tantalising ball into the six-yard-box. Eastwood had timed his run superbly to poke through the keepers legs. With vim and vigour back into their weary legs, Politics pushed more and more. They were eventually rewarded with a penalty kick as the Ladyboys captain was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Joe Eastwood made no mistake to put Politics level. The Ladyboys incensed captain was later sent off for abusing the referee, but Politics could not make the extra man count and the Ladyboys forced the match into extra time. The next thirty minutes provided little excitement, and in truth, was a testament to the defending prowess of the Ladyboys who kept the 11 men Politics at bay. Penalty Kicks eventually decided what had been a great cup tie. Joe Mulhearn got Politics off to the perfect start, equalising coolly. Rory then made a tremendous stop, high and to his left. Mat Anderson then kept his cool to put Politics 2-1 up. The Ladyboys then equalised and James Charlton kept his head. 3-2. Politics student Jon Fawcett then put his Ladyboys penalty high, wide and handsome, allowing Tom Higgins to score the winner. Pandemonium ensued, and Politics were to meet their old enemies Smithdown Eagles in the Semi-Final, the very next day.

[edit] Club Information

Name: Politics F.C

Nation: England

Status: Amatuer

Reputation: Universal

Favourite personnel: Jim Higgins, Pete Winters, Tom Chamberlain, Ryan Durance, Dan Jones, Dave Willoughby, Owen Larter, Tom

McClelland, James Charlton

Finances: severe student loan debt

Stadium: The Fortress, Maryton Grange

Stadium Capacity: 200

Training Ground: The Mystery, Good facilities plus bar (Kelly's Dispensary, Smithdown Road)

Media Prediction: Title challengers, Cup Dark Horses

Website:[1]polsoc.co.nr

Kit: Blue shirt with white trim, white shorts and white socks.

[edit] Competition History

Season Wednesday Division 1 Wednesday Division 2 Wednesday Division 3 Sunday Division 1 Sunday Division 2 Sunday Division 3 ID CUP Super Cup Plate 7 a side competition
2000 Law "A" FRUMBA N/A Medics "A" N/A N/A Politics Medics "A" n/a n/a
2001 FRUMBA Construction N/A Medics "A" N/A N/A FRUMBA n/a n/a Univiersity First Team
2002 Drama Mexoc N/A Medics "A" N/A N/A Psychology n/a n/a University First Team
2003 Law "A" English N/A Law "A" English N/A Drama Law "A" n/a Law "A"
2004 Drama Rankin N/A Law "A" R&G N/A Earth Science English Electrical Engineering Ex Lady Mountford
2005 Law "A" Comecon "B" N/A R&G Old Boys Bongo Gdaza D&R Halls Law "A" Ex D&R McNair Halls University First Team
2006 Ex D&R Law "B" History "B" Bongo Gdaza Smithdown Celtic Rankin N/A Law "A" R&G Old Boys Law "A"
2007 Law "A" Law "B" N/A Medics "A" D&R Halls N/A Law "A" D&R Halls N/A Martin English
2008 History "A" Comecon Dale Hall Medics "A" Biomed McNair Hall Medics "A" N/A N/A Morton La Coruna

[edit] ID Records

Biggest win: 13-0 Vets 2007/2008

Higest scoring game: 7-6 FRUMBA 2005/2006, 13-0 Vets 2007/2008

Heaviest defeat: 7-0 History 2004/2005, 7-0 Real D&R 2006/2007

Most apperances: Dave Willoughby 40 (Approx) 2003-2007

All-time Top Goalscorer: Joe Eastwood 33* 2006-

Most goals in a season: Joe Eastwood 24 2007/2008

Most own-goals in a match: Ben Duerden 2 vs. Medics 'A' 2007/2008

[edit] Managers

Name Nat From To Record
P W D L Win Ave.
Phil Child and Dan Jones Flag of England Flag of England September 2002 June 2004 ? ? ? ? ?
Jim Higgins and Dave Willoughby Flag of England Flag of South Africa September 2004 June 2005 ? ? ? ? ?
Peter Winters and Ryan Durance Flag of England Flag of England September 2005 June 2006 19 8 3 8 42%
Owen Larter Flag of England September 2006 June 2007 10 5 0 5 50%
James Charlton Flag of England September 2007 June 2008 20 10 3 7 50%
James Charlton and Will Dickson Flag of England Flag of England September 2008 January 2009 ? ? ? ? ?

[edit] Past Players

Goalkeepers

|Flag of AustraliaTom Wooder: former Grobelaaresque goalkeeper/clownprince of ID football.

|Flag of EnglandJules Moore: fonldy rememered as "the cat"

Defenders

|Flag of EnglandJim Higgins: legendary manager of the politics team in the 2004/2005 season. A solid, reliable defender from

Birmingham. Whilst it is fair to say he was no Ronaldinho; he is nonetheless a politics legend, who rejoined the Politics team for the

famour tour of the 2005/2006 season.

|Flag of EnglandPete Winters: centre-half/full back who became the Politics Wednesday manager when Jim Higgins left the club. penalty

expert. Won players' player of the season in 2005.

|Flag of EnglandRyan Durance: a real politics legend, equally capable in defence or midfield, he shared managerial responsibility with

Pete Winters in the 2005/2006 season.

|Flag of EnglandStephen Yates: Centre-Half who won players' player of the year in 2006 almost unanimously, after a season of fantastic

performances for the Politics team. Won challenge after challenge at the back, aswell as scoring a number of goals.

|Flag of ZimbabweBen Carpenter: reliable right-back, famed for his excellent distribution.

|Flag of WalesTom Chamberlain: "the quiet man" enjoyed a distinguished Politics career. Captaining the side the 2006 was a

reflection of the excellent season he had enjoyed the year before. Chamberlain was a real trooper and made the left back spot his own in

the successful 2005/2006 season.

|Flag of EnglandTom Murphy: Possibly one of the most talented players to grace Maryton Grange in a Politics guise. His cultured

defending secured him Players Player of the Year in the 2006/07 season and a place in the ID Select XI.

|Flag of EnglandDave Lloyd: Tall centre-half, one time politics giant.

|Flag of EnglandAde Maxwell (absolute legend)

|Flag of SpainIgnacio Carlos: Spanish full-back and renowned maverick, played for PFC at the beginning of the 2005/2006 season.

Midfielders

|Flag of IrelandMark Canavan: one of a few overseas players to have played for the Politics team, Canavan was a wily left-winger from

Derry, Northern Ireland.

|Flag of EnglandAndrew "Wurzel" Matthews: Clubman of the year in 2006, Andrew Matthews will go down in Politics history as a true

legend.

|Flag of EnglandJames Charlton: 'Attacking midfielder, fondly known as Luis Garcia for his flowing locks'. Joined the club in the

2006/2007 season and was given the honour of becoming manager for the 2007/2008 season.

|Flag of EnglandPhil Rudd: Handsome on-and-off the pitch, Rudd was a vital part of Politics' 4th place finish in the 2006/07 season. His

efforts were rewarded as he was given the Managers Player of the Year award.

|Flag of South AfricaDave Willoughby: "Old-Man Dave" as he was affectionately known by the politics team was a Deschamps style central

midfielder. An old head on old shoulders, he helped shore up the defence for three consecutive seasons, from 2003 to 2007.

|Flag of EnglandAndrew Robson: Winner of Manager's player of the year in 2006 aswell as goal of the season for a spectacular strike

against big rivals CSKA Morton.

|Flag of EnglandTom McClelland: 'All-round good egg' and Captain for the 2006/2007 season, McClelland also took the honour of

manager's player of the year in 2006 for his performances for the Sunday team, aswell as clubman of the year in 2007.

|Flag of EnglandJamie Hester: A real politics hero. Versatile enough to have played in almost every position for the Politics team

(including goalkeeper) Jamie Hester has enjoyed a colourful Politics career which looks set to continue.

|Flag of EnglandPhil Child: Tall (lanky) Cornish midfielder, often employed as a very right-footed left winger - Co-founder and Captain of

the Politics team in 2002/03 season.

|Flag of WalesDan Jones: Stocky centre-midfielder with stamina beyond his stature - Co-founder and Captain of the Politics team in

2002/03 season.

|Flag of EnglandDave Hughes: Liverpudlian centre-midfielder and centre-half.

|Flag of EnglandNick Thompson: Mancunian midfielder. Captian in the 03/04 season

Calvin: Maverick Dutch winger who claimed to have been a product of the youth system of

Ajax of Amsterdam. Remember for his rampaging runs and also for the large scorpion tattoo that he had on the side of his head.

|Flag of EnglandTim Long: Liverpudlian creative midfielder who once famously engaged in an on-pitch scuffle with his brother Matt

Long. Played in the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 seasons.

Forwards

|Flag of the United StatesOwen "Odge" Larter: Born in Los Angeles in 1985, Larter spent his formative years in Newcastle. His passion for

football is exceeded only by his healthy appetite for Politics. He was the Manager for the 2006/07 season.

|Flag of EnglandGavin Millard: Bedfordshire goal-machine.

|Flag of EnglandTom Higgins: Younger brother of Jim Higgins. Versatile attacker, and a constant threat going forward. Tom is a

passionate Birmingham City fan, and is a key player in the current setup.

|Flag of EnglandRakesh Darayani: one time proprietor of the Dovedale Towers and Politics centre-forward.

|Flag of EnglandAndy Thomas: Imaginatively nicknamed "Big Andy" due to the fact that he was very tall, Andy Thomas is one of the

top scoring Politics players of all time. Top scorer in the 2004/2005 season, Andy Thomas' finest hour came when brought on as a sub in

the first game of the 2005/2006 season, when his first touch was the start of a mazy run which would ultimately lead to a goal to bring

politics back into a game they would win, despite being three-one down, and bring Winters' managerial tenure off to a flying start. A

gentle-giant.

|Flag of EnglandMatt Long: Liverpudlian striker and brother of Tim Long, played for the team in the 2005/2006 season.

|Flag of EnglandJoe Eastwood: A Politics hero. Marked his debut season by winning Top Goalscorer with 9 goals in competitive

competition. The equinely graceful striker bettered his tally in 2007/2008, with a stunning 24 goals in 17 league and cup games. He also

scooped Players' Player of the Year for his maverick performances, notably a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw with Rankin Boys and 5 in the Cup 1st

Round victory over Engineers. Joe is Politics' all-time top goalscorer, with 33 goals in 26 appearences.