From Fulham FC to a Football Trinity

Adam Watts has fallen from Fulham FC to the non-league with Lincoln and  in many eyes, the further indignity of the BSN with  Gainsborough Trinity, now owned by Peter Swann husband to Karin, the Chairman of retailer Wilkinson .  Adam and one of football’s oldest names’ resurrection continued on Saturday with a 2-0 win over runaway League leaders Hyde FC.  Despite the Tigers  being 11 points clear two Kevin Sandwith crosses allowed Kendall to fire the first and captain Cowan to poke home the winner.

Adam made the bench for Fulham 3 times against CSKA Sofia, Manchester City and MK Dons, but never played first team football for The Cottagers, prior to that fateful loan deal to Lincoln, thanks to Ian Pearces contacts.  The youngster signed permanently,  suffered a horror break and then relegation from the very League itself, before bearing the brunt of changes at City.  Ironic perhaps, that the Imps replaced Gainsborough  in the Football League in 1912 with Trinity unable to compete with the financial might of the old Division Two.  But now they are backed by Peter Swann, who has learned that big names like Little are not a patch on  Steve Housham, Gainsborough born and bred.  The ex-midfielder played over 115 games for Scunthorpe United before dropping out of the League to join Barrow – initially on loan like Danny Hone – and Brigg Town who he went on to manage for 4 years prior to becoming Little’s no2.  Its not just local and non-league knowledge, Steve has learned an awful lot from from Brian Laws who he also shared  the odd promotion with  as a player.  So it was perhaps no surprise to see Peter Swan promote him to the top job in September 2011.

Adam deserves a happier phase in his life after a tough couple of years on and off the pitch. A man-manager like Housham and the love of his local girlfriend is just the tonic Adam Watts needs after the death of his father down in London. Add Peter Swans money –  not to mention infectious ambition –  and Adam could well come back to haunt us next season given Trinity, sitting sixth,  look true play-off contenders.  Trinity Winger Levy Reid has joined from AFC Telford this week  with defender Mark Gray off to  Frickley Athletic.  Trinity have also signed  young Grimsby Town goal machine, Sam Mulready on a permanent basis.  He scored for fun in the youth team but did not make the cut as financial clouds gathered at Blundell Park.  Sam signed his first pro deal with the Mariners (6 months) in the summer and had loan deals at Boston and Trinity up until December, before being released this week.  This lad has a future and will fetch money in the game.

Sixth placed Gainsborough saunter to Solihull Moors next week before enjoying two successive home games over BSP drop-outs Histon and Altrincham.  Take six points from the nine available and who knows.

1

Hyde F.C.

26

18

5

3

59

26

33

59

2

Stalybridge

24

14

6

4

53

31

22

48

3

Guiseley…

22

13

5

4

47

25

22

44

4

Nuneaton T…

24

12

6

6

39

24

15

42

5

FC Halifax…

23

12

6

5

49

36

13

42

6

Gainsborough.

23

13

2

8

39

32

7

41

7

Worcester …

24

11

5

8

42

39

3

38

8

Corby Town…

23

10

5

8

40

29

11

35