WAikato United
Waikato United was formed at short notice early in 1988 to fill a national league vacancy, returning national league football to the Waikato for the first time since the end of the 1982 season (Hamilton AFC). The irony was Waikato United was invited to be formed, when the competing Waikato FC - operating as a stand-alone private entity which had "hired" Claudelands Rovers berth in the northern premier league and sought all other Waikato clubs to become feeder clubs under chairman Terry O'Donnell - finished as 1987 champions of that league. Waikato FC duly filed for bankruptcy, Rovers took back their league spot, and the rules were changes to prevent such an adventure again.
Waikato proved to be a potent national force under coach Roger Wilkinson, winning the Chatham Cup over two legs in 1988, finishing third in the league in 1991, runners up in the cup and league in 1992, and runners up in the Superclub Championship in 1995. In 1996 Waikato was forced to amalgamate with Melville - forming Melville United - in order to continue to compete at national league level under new criteria where national league teams were required to run teams at all levels.
1988 National League
With the late withdrawal of Dunedin City, Waikato United was hastily established to fill the vacancy at national league level. It was a joint initiative of Hamilton AFC and Claudelands Rovers, with Rovers acting as a feeder club. Roger Wilkinson was appointed to run the ship and he quickly established very competitive team that finished fifth in the league and won the Chatham Cup, while John Walker chaired the administration and Tony Fisher was in charge of programme production.
In this first programme for a Waikato club being back in the national league in six years, Fisher wrote: "The two clubs that have been instrumental in bringing the national league here - Hamilton AFC and Claudelands Rovers - have sacrificed a lot. Hamilton has forsaken its name and Claudelands Rovers has adopted Muir Park as its home venue for the Country Milk Main League. The administration behind Waikato United is very sound and genuine in its intent, and the coaching structure couldn't be better. All we need now is for businesshouses, local authorities, other clubs and spectators to fall over themselves in trying to help. Perhaps the Hamilton City Council might like to lead the way by offering to mow the pitch at no cost, instead of levying a charge against us every time they do."
With the late withdrawal of Dunedin City, Waikato United was hastily established to fill the vacancy at national league level. It was a joint initiative of Hamilton AFC and Claudelands Rovers, with Rovers acting as a feeder club. Roger Wilkinson was appointed to run the ship and he quickly established very competitive team that finished fifth in the league and won the Chatham Cup, while John Walker chaired the administration and Tony Fisher was in charge of programme production.
In this first programme for a Waikato club being back in the national league in six years, Fisher wrote: "The two clubs that have been instrumental in bringing the national league here - Hamilton AFC and Claudelands Rovers - have sacrificed a lot. Hamilton has forsaken its name and Claudelands Rovers has adopted Muir Park as its home venue for the Country Milk Main League. The administration behind Waikato United is very sound and genuine in its intent, and the coaching structure couldn't be better. All we need now is for businesshouses, local authorities, other clubs and spectators to fall over themselves in trying to help. Perhaps the Hamilton City Council might like to lead the way by offering to mow the pitch at no cost, instead of levying a charge against us every time they do."
1988 National League
This cover was more representative of the 1988 programme, mostly 16 pages on glossy paper. Advertisers included Colonial Mutual, British Airways, Queenwood Service Station, Adam & Eve Massage Parlour, Top Rack Software, Tracs Records, John Starnes Menswear, DB Breweries, 1ZH, Budget Homes, Air New Zealand and the TAB.
This cover was more representative of the 1988 programme, mostly 16 pages on glossy paper. Advertisers included Colonial Mutual, British Airways, Queenwood Service Station, Adam & Eve Massage Parlour, Top Rack Software, Tracs Records, John Starnes Menswear, DB Breweries, 1ZH, Budget Homes, Air New Zealand and the TAB.
1988 Centrespread
Click to enlarge
If the cover was a bit underwhelming, the centrespread of a 24-page glossy programme showed plenty of promise, with spot colour. In this issue, v Christchurch United, director Tony Fisher noted: "At the conclusion of round 13 it would be fair to say there is not a national league club in the country that doubts Waikato United's ability to compete, after an amazing 9-match unbeaten run...In short what we have been able to do in double-quick time is to go a long way in restoring the credibility of the game in this area, following the controversies of the last couple of years. I am still waiting for the Auckland soccer writers to acknowledge these achievements."
Click to enlarge
If the cover was a bit underwhelming, the centrespread of a 24-page glossy programme showed plenty of promise, with spot colour. In this issue, v Christchurch United, director Tony Fisher noted: "At the conclusion of round 13 it would be fair to say there is not a national league club in the country that doubts Waikato United's ability to compete, after an amazing 9-match unbeaten run...In short what we have been able to do in double-quick time is to go a long way in restoring the credibility of the game in this area, following the controversies of the last couple of years. I am still waiting for the Auckland soccer writers to acknowledge these achievements."
1989 National League
Waikato United squad: Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes (C), Chris Roberts, Graham Marshall, Chris Blundell, Paul Gemmell, Darren Melville, Micahel Sayers, David Laws, Mark Cossey, Graham Jones, Shane Gillies, Paul Brown, Grant Carlson, Geoff Roberts, Stu Girvan, Brian Chisholm.
Waikato United squad: Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes (C), Chris Roberts, Graham Marshall, Chris Blundell, Paul Gemmell, Darren Melville, Micahel Sayers, David Laws, Mark Cossey, Graham Jones, Shane Gillies, Paul Brown, Grant Carlson, Geoff Roberts, Stu Girvan, Brian Chisholm.
Waikato United v Papatoetoe, April 23, 1989
Lengthy column from coach Roger Wilkinson for the first home game of the season.
Lengthy column from coach Roger Wilkinson for the first home game of the season.
Wilkinson Papatoetoe column continued...
1990 National League
Waikato United finished fourth in the national league, the best finish by a Waikato team since Hamilton AFC did so in 1977.
Programme 16-page semi-glossy paper, offset printed by John Walker Printers, with columns from coach Roger Wilkinson, chairman John Walker, Bruce Holloway, and an occasional Player Perspective from paul Thompson. Advertisers included major sponsor Colonial Mutual, Niro Atomiser, Waipa Delta, Frankton Hotel, Jeff Coulshed Panelbeaters, Speedlink Parcels, Governors Tavern, 98.6 ZHFM and Air New Zealand.
Waikato squad: Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes, John Hill, Ian Butchard, Paul Gemmell, Tommy Taylor, Lance Bauerfiend, David Laws, Paul Thompson, Grant Carlson, Brian Chisholm, Brent Rogers, Darren Melville, Tony Haworth and Declan Edge.
Waikato United finished fourth in the national league, the best finish by a Waikato team since Hamilton AFC did so in 1977.
Programme 16-page semi-glossy paper, offset printed by John Walker Printers, with columns from coach Roger Wilkinson, chairman John Walker, Bruce Holloway, and an occasional Player Perspective from paul Thompson. Advertisers included major sponsor Colonial Mutual, Niro Atomiser, Waipa Delta, Frankton Hotel, Jeff Coulshed Panelbeaters, Speedlink Parcels, Governors Tavern, 98.6 ZHFM and Air New Zealand.
Waikato squad: Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes, John Hill, Ian Butchard, Paul Gemmell, Tommy Taylor, Lance Bauerfiend, David Laws, Paul Thompson, Grant Carlson, Brian Chisholm, Brent Rogers, Darren Melville, Tony Haworth and Declan Edge.
1990 Waikato United v Wellington United, September 2
Coach Comment - Roger Wilkinson
Roger had a column in every Waikato programme, and he usually had an opinion worht sharing.
Coach Comment - Roger Wilkinson
Roger had a column in every Waikato programme, and he usually had an opinion worht sharing.
1990 Waikato United v Manurewa, Top 5 series
Player's Perspective - Paul Thompson
Paul Thompson, a striker at the time though later converted into a fullback, contributed a column to the programme. It was modest by Paul's usual standards, considering he was a journalist who was later to rise to the position of Group Executive Editor of Fairfax Media New Zealand.
Player's Perspective - Paul Thompson
Paul Thompson, a striker at the time though later converted into a fullback, contributed a column to the programme. It was modest by Paul's usual standards, considering he was a journalist who was later to rise to the position of Group Executive Editor of Fairfax Media New Zealand.
Down Memory Lane
Click to enlarge
This photo was published in Waikato United's 1990 programme against Gisborne City, showing former Hamilton captain Roy Little in action as a youngster in 1965 at Galloway Park. (In 1990 Little was a Waikato board member, having captained Hamilton in the northern and national leagues in the 1970s)
Memory Lane was a regular feature of the programme.
Click to enlarge
This photo was published in Waikato United's 1990 programme against Gisborne City, showing former Hamilton captain Roy Little in action as a youngster in 1965 at Galloway Park. (In 1990 Little was a Waikato board member, having captained Hamilton in the northern and national leagues in the 1970s)
Memory Lane was a regular feature of the programme.
1991 National League
The Waikato programme took on the title of "The Bulls-Eye, a play on the club's Bulls' nickname.New advertisers included NZF Stainless, Crothalls Commercial Cleaners, Five Cross Roads Mowers & Cycles,Smithys Trophies, Eagle Air, GMR Holmac and Terry Booth Toyota.
Waikato finished third in the national league, with Roger Wilkinson's squad including Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes, Shane Gillies, Ian Butchard, Paul Gemmell, Darren Melville, Declan Edge, Lance Bauerfiend, Paul Thompson, Brian Chisholm, Darren Fellowes and Tommy Taylor.
The Waikato programme took on the title of "The Bulls-Eye, a play on the club's Bulls' nickname.New advertisers included NZF Stainless, Crothalls Commercial Cleaners, Five Cross Roads Mowers & Cycles,Smithys Trophies, Eagle Air, GMR Holmac and Terry Booth Toyota.
Waikato finished third in the national league, with Roger Wilkinson's squad including Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes, Shane Gillies, Ian Butchard, Paul Gemmell, Darren Melville, Declan Edge, Lance Bauerfiend, Paul Thompson, Brian Chisholm, Darren Fellowes and Tommy Taylor.
1991 v Christchurch United March 3
Bill Thomas profile
Bruce Holloway contributed a series of profiles of Waikato football personalities during the 1991 season, including this one of Waikato Football Association chairman Bill Thomas
Bill Thomas profile
Bruce Holloway contributed a series of profiles of Waikato football personalities during the 1991 season, including this one of Waikato Football Association chairman Bill Thomas
1991 v North Shore United, March 17
Roy Little profile
Profile of former Hamilton AFC skipper Roy Little, who was a Waikato United and Hamilton AFC board member at the time.
Roy Little profile
Profile of former Hamilton AFC skipper Roy Little, who was a Waikato United and Hamilton AFC board member at the time.
1991 v Miramar Rangers, March 29
Jeff Coulshed profile
Couldshed was a former Hamilton player and coach and title-winning Waikato women's football coach.
Jeff Coulshed profile
Couldshed was a former Hamilton player and coach and title-winning Waikato women's football coach.
1992 Battle of the Bays
Waikato United played an annual pre-season Battle of the Bays tournament with Mt Maunganui, Napier City Rovers, and - in 1992 - Kawera Town as well. For the occasion of the home matches a simple four-page programme was published.
Waikato United played an annual pre-season Battle of the Bays tournament with Mt Maunganui, Napier City Rovers, and - in 1992 - Kawera Town as well. For the occasion of the home matches a simple four-page programme was published.
BULLS-EYE 1992
This cover was a once-off production, after the NZFA-supplied league-wide covers had not arrived agt the printers. The graphic gracing the cover is of the club's taniwha crest, which some club members were keen to reinforce in unhappiness at the growing predominance of the "Bulls" logo and nickname introduced a year earlier. Following on from 1991, this programme was called THE BULLS-EYE, though that handle disappeared in subsequent editions.
Inside, in a supporter's column, fan Bob Walker lamented how he was one of just a handul of fans who had witnessed Waikato's final game of the previous season, a 4-1 away win over New Plymouth, and urged greater organisation of travelling support. "Watching the home fixtures only can be compared to watching only half of a play at the theatre."
This cover was a once-off production, after the NZFA-supplied league-wide covers had not arrived agt the printers. The graphic gracing the cover is of the club's taniwha crest, which some club members were keen to reinforce in unhappiness at the growing predominance of the "Bulls" logo and nickname introduced a year earlier. Following on from 1991, this programme was called THE BULLS-EYE, though that handle disappeared in subsequent editions.
Inside, in a supporter's column, fan Bob Walker lamented how he was one of just a handul of fans who had witnessed Waikato's final game of the previous season, a 4-1 away win over New Plymouth, and urged greater organisation of travelling support. "Watching the home fixtures only can be compared to watching only half of a play at the theatre."
1992 National League
The Bulls finished second in the league. While that was a hig watermark for a Waikato club at national league level, it was also a major disappointment given they had led weeks out from the season finish, but lost 0-2 at home to Miramar to allow Waiatakere City to take the title. The team was widely regarded as Waikato United's strongest ever.
Waikato: Gary Dillistone, Paul Thompson, Paul Gemmell, Brian Hayes, Kane Lynch, Brian Chisholm, Graham Jones, Craig Jessep, Gavin Wilkinson, , Mark Cossey, Darren Fellowes, Gary Locke, Shane Gillies, Daryl Ward, Tony Haworth, Angus Campbell.
The Bulls finished second in the league. While that was a hig watermark for a Waikato club at national league level, it was also a major disappointment given they had led weeks out from the season finish, but lost 0-2 at home to Miramar to allow Waiatakere City to take the title. The team was widely regarded as Waikato United's strongest ever.
Waikato: Gary Dillistone, Paul Thompson, Paul Gemmell, Brian Hayes, Kane Lynch, Brian Chisholm, Graham Jones, Craig Jessep, Gavin Wilkinson, , Mark Cossey, Darren Fellowes, Gary Locke, Shane Gillies, Daryl Ward, Tony Haworth, Angus Campbell.
1993 Superclub Championship
Roger Wilkinson's Waikato made the top 4 playoffs following the national round but lost 1-0 at home to North Shore.
This programme is from the first match Waikato United played away from Muir Park, with an experimental move to Seddon Park, where they beat Wanganui Athletci 1-0. (The subsequent match against North Shore was also held here.
In his column chairman Bruce Heappey wrote: "Today is important for us not just in the obvious context of this Winfield Superclub National Round, but also in our first venture outside of the traditional home of Waikato soccer - Muir Park - to Trustbank Park. The decision to move to Trustbank Park was ot made lightly; various factions of the club had different viewpoints and all had to be taken into consideration.I believe the decision to be the right one. the facilities here are obviously of an excellent standard with a great playing surface and spectator facilities etc"
Waikato: Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes, Andrew Griffiths, Hoani Edwards, Gavin Wilkinson, Paul Gemmell, Darren Melville, Declan Edge, Mike McEvoy, Marcus Gerbich, Brian Chisholm, Kane Lynch, Mark Cossey, Darren Fellowes, Dominic Rogerson, Angus Campbell.
Roger Wilkinson's Waikato made the top 4 playoffs following the national round but lost 1-0 at home to North Shore.
This programme is from the first match Waikato United played away from Muir Park, with an experimental move to Seddon Park, where they beat Wanganui Athletci 1-0. (The subsequent match against North Shore was also held here.
In his column chairman Bruce Heappey wrote: "Today is important for us not just in the obvious context of this Winfield Superclub National Round, but also in our first venture outside of the traditional home of Waikato soccer - Muir Park - to Trustbank Park. The decision to move to Trustbank Park was ot made lightly; various factions of the club had different viewpoints and all had to be taken into consideration.I believe the decision to be the right one. the facilities here are obviously of an excellent standard with a great playing surface and spectator facilities etc"
Waikato: Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes, Andrew Griffiths, Hoani Edwards, Gavin Wilkinson, Paul Gemmell, Darren Melville, Declan Edge, Mike McEvoy, Marcus Gerbich, Brian Chisholm, Kane Lynch, Mark Cossey, Darren Fellowes, Dominic Rogerson, Angus Campbell.
1993 v Waitakere City
Photo of the injured Darren Fellowes. And he was so injured plenty that season he really needed a zip-up plaster cast.
While Fellowes is in agony, susbstitute Darren Melville looks delighted, having spotted a vacancy in the starting XI.
Photo of the injured Darren Fellowes. And he was so injured plenty that season he really needed a zip-up plaster cast.
While Fellowes is in agony, susbstitute Darren Melville looks delighted, having spotted a vacancy in the starting XI.
1994 Superclub Championship
12-page photocopied programme inside a league-standard cover with overprint. Advertisers included Terry Booth Toyota, Cameron's Tyre Service, Niro, Waikato Times, Begley Sheetmetal, Newstalk ZB, Norris Ward, Stace Hammond Grace and GMR Holmac.
Under new coach Eddie Edge Waikato failed to qualify for the national round.
Waikato: Graham Wilson, Chris Roberts, David Grose, Dominic Rogerson, Paul Gemmell, Brain Chisholm, Declan Edge, Graham Jones, Gavin Pooley, Paul Collins, Scott Granville, Che Bunce, Darren Fellowes, Duncan Lowry, Paul Caton. (Brian Hayes played early matches before picking up a professional contract in Hong Kong alongside Paul Nixon.)
12-page photocopied programme inside a league-standard cover with overprint. Advertisers included Terry Booth Toyota, Cameron's Tyre Service, Niro, Waikato Times, Begley Sheetmetal, Newstalk ZB, Norris Ward, Stace Hammond Grace and GMR Holmac.
Under new coach Eddie Edge Waikato failed to qualify for the national round.
Waikato: Graham Wilson, Chris Roberts, David Grose, Dominic Rogerson, Paul Gemmell, Brain Chisholm, Declan Edge, Graham Jones, Gavin Pooley, Paul Collins, Scott Granville, Che Bunce, Darren Fellowes, Duncan Lowry, Paul Caton. (Brian Hayes played early matches before picking up a professional contract in Hong Kong alongside Paul Nixon.)
1994 Superclub Championship
In the programme v Mt Albert Ponsonby, Waikato United helpfully provided a piss-taking diagram on the offside law for the benefit of Mark Cossey, who had spurned his hometown club in favour of a very successful season with the Aucklanders.
"Good luck today Mark. To help you on your return, and in light of a couple of indiscretions when both teams met at Anderson Park in April, here is a guide to the offside law."
In the programme v Mt Albert Ponsonby, Waikato United helpfully provided a piss-taking diagram on the offside law for the benefit of Mark Cossey, who had spurned his hometown club in favour of a very successful season with the Aucklanders.
"Good luck today Mark. To help you on your return, and in light of a couple of indiscretions when both teams met at Anderson Park in April, here is a guide to the offside law."
1995 Superclub Championship
Under legislation prohibited the Winfield league sponsorship of the previous three years, the Health Sponsorship Council was obliged to take over sponsorship of such events for 12 months, resulting in the "Smokefree" brand for the Superclub Championship. Unfortunately it also involved standardised programme covers which boasted the most boring, non-football looking artwork seen in decades. No doubt it has many readers reaching for a fag. With Grant Stantiall and Joe Fraser as editors, there was plenty of reading matter, with columns from chairman Brian Impson, coach Eddie Edge, and Cordwainer Bull. 20 pages, glossy paper. Finished as runner-up to Napier City Rovers in the NZ Soccer Media annual awards.
Waikato were sponsored by the short-lived Coast To Coast (regional) TV.
Eddie Edge was coach at the start of the season and Roger Wilkinson replaced him in July.
Waikato: Grant Mawston, Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes, Chris Roberts, Stephen Meharry, Paul Gemmell, Darren Melville, Declan Edge, Gavin Pooley, Saevar Petursson, Paul Nixon, Brian Chisholm, Paul Collins, Darren Fletcher, Paul Caton, Darren Fellowes, Che Bunce.
Under legislation prohibited the Winfield league sponsorship of the previous three years, the Health Sponsorship Council was obliged to take over sponsorship of such events for 12 months, resulting in the "Smokefree" brand for the Superclub Championship. Unfortunately it also involved standardised programme covers which boasted the most boring, non-football looking artwork seen in decades. No doubt it has many readers reaching for a fag. With Grant Stantiall and Joe Fraser as editors, there was plenty of reading matter, with columns from chairman Brian Impson, coach Eddie Edge, and Cordwainer Bull. 20 pages, glossy paper. Finished as runner-up to Napier City Rovers in the NZ Soccer Media annual awards.
Waikato were sponsored by the short-lived Coast To Coast (regional) TV.
Eddie Edge was coach at the start of the season and Roger Wilkinson replaced him in July.
Waikato: Grant Mawston, Gary Dillistone, Brian Hayes, Chris Roberts, Stephen Meharry, Paul Gemmell, Darren Melville, Declan Edge, Gavin Pooley, Saevar Petursson, Paul Nixon, Brian Chisholm, Paul Collins, Darren Fletcher, Paul Caton, Darren Fellowes, Che Bunce.
1995 Waikato United v Waitakere City, April 2
Player's Corner: Darren Fellowes (with his name mis-spelled)
In which he talks of his experiences playing in Hong Kong.
Player's Corner: Darren Fellowes (with his name mis-spelled)
In which he talks of his experiences playing in Hong Kong.
1995 Waikato United v Ellerslie, April 14
Players Corner: Darren Melville
In which he gives a commentary on the foibles of his team mates rahter than himself.
Players Corner: Darren Melville
In which he gives a commentary on the foibles of his team mates rahter than himself.
Darren Melville column continued
1995 Waikato United v North Shore United, April 23
Players Corner: Mark Cossey
(In which he talks of his experiences playing in Tahiti)
Players Corner: Mark Cossey
(In which he talks of his experiences playing in Tahiti)
1995 Waikato United v Manurewa, August 20
Players Corner: Saevar Petursson (Iceman)
Players Corner: Saevar Petursson (Iceman)
1995 Waikato United v North Shore, October 1
The editors have their say in the final home programme of the season.
The editors have their say in the final home programme of the season.
1995 Waikato United v North Shore, October 1
Column: John Blows The Whistle
Guest programme column from refereeing identity John Cameron
Column: John Blows The Whistle
Guest programme column from refereeing identity John Cameron
v Melville, Chatham Cup 3rd round, May 7 1995
With standardised league covers, Bruce Holloway came up with this homespun one-off cover for an 8-page programme for a local derby 3rd round Chatham Cup tie between Waikato United and Melville at Muir Park.
Eddie Edge's Waikato squad included Grant Mawston, Paul Probert, Chris Roberts, Paul Gemmell, Paul Caton, Duncan Lowry, Andy Irvine, Saevar Petursson, Jason Stone, Brian Chisholm and Mark Cossey.
Steve Williams' Melville squad included Neil Mouncher, Darryl Ward, Paul Thompson, Graham Jones, Martin Emmett, Paul Marflitt, Steve Bardsley, Kaise Toma, Sigi Kerbers, Greg Larsen, Andrew McAlistair, Dominic Rogerson, Ronnie Kardas, Gordon Jon Thompson.
Waikato won 2-0.
With standardised league covers, Bruce Holloway came up with this homespun one-off cover for an 8-page programme for a local derby 3rd round Chatham Cup tie between Waikato United and Melville at Muir Park.
Eddie Edge's Waikato squad included Grant Mawston, Paul Probert, Chris Roberts, Paul Gemmell, Paul Caton, Duncan Lowry, Andy Irvine, Saevar Petursson, Jason Stone, Brian Chisholm and Mark Cossey.
Steve Williams' Melville squad included Neil Mouncher, Darryl Ward, Paul Thompson, Graham Jones, Martin Emmett, Paul Marflitt, Steve Bardsley, Kaise Toma, Sigi Kerbers, Greg Larsen, Andrew McAlistair, Dominic Rogerson, Ronnie Kardas, Gordon Jon Thompson.
Waikato won 2-0.
1996 Inaugural Smokefree National league (summer)
This was a tidy, glossy 20-page programme including league-standard cover overprinted with matchday detail. Edited by Grant Stantiall, who often found himself having to write columns on behalf of joint coaches, Paul Nixon and Darren Melville, in what was to be the final season for Waikato United as an entity, before amalgamation with Melville AFC.
Featured articles in other Waikato clubs in most editions, columns from Cordwainer Bull or Angus Hereford, editorial from chairman Paul Collins, and a round-up of quotable quotes from the world of football..
The covers were embossed with the following:
"Voted 2nd best programme 1995".
This was a tidy, glossy 20-page programme including league-standard cover overprinted with matchday detail. Edited by Grant Stantiall, who often found himself having to write columns on behalf of joint coaches, Paul Nixon and Darren Melville, in what was to be the final season for Waikato United as an entity, before amalgamation with Melville AFC.
Featured articles in other Waikato clubs in most editions, columns from Cordwainer Bull or Angus Hereford, editorial from chairman Paul Collins, and a round-up of quotable quotes from the world of football..
The covers were embossed with the following:
"Voted 2nd best programme 1995".
v Central United, January 26, 1996
Column from Waikato United chairman Paul Collins in the inaugural summer national league match in Hamilton (Porritt Stadium).
Column from Waikato United chairman Paul Collins in the inaugural summer national league match in Hamilton (Porritt Stadium).
v Waitakere City, February 23 1996
"Dreamer Teams" column from contributor Cordwainer Bull. (An anthology of such columns over a 20-year period in Waikato programmes is contained in The Waikato Chronicles, advertised for sale on the home page)
"Dreamer Teams" column from contributor Cordwainer Bull. (An anthology of such columns over a 20-year period in Waikato programmes is contained in The Waikato Chronicles, advertised for sale on the home page)
v Napier City Rovers, March 10 1996
Column from chairman Paul Collins, in which he alludes to Waikato's infamous "Party in the plane" affair, in which player Daryl Ward travelled home naked on the charter flight
Column from chairman Paul Collins, in which he alludes to Waikato's infamous "Party in the plane" affair, in which player Daryl Ward travelled home naked on the charter flight
v Mt Maunganui, March 17, 1996
Programme featured a full page archival photo of Waikato co-coach Paul Nixon, left, and Billy Wright from the 1986 season, when they both played for Claudelands Rovers (marketing themselves as AFC Waikato that year). Nixon, shown celebrating after scoring a goal against Mt Roskill, was named Waikato Footballer of the Year that season. Both Nixon and Wright later gained selection for the All Whites in the following years.
Programme featured a full page archival photo of Waikato co-coach Paul Nixon, left, and Billy Wright from the 1986 season, when they both played for Claudelands Rovers (marketing themselves as AFC Waikato that year). Nixon, shown celebrating after scoring a goal against Mt Roskill, was named Waikato Footballer of the Year that season. Both Nixon and Wright later gained selection for the All Whites in the following years.
v Miramar Rangers, March 31, 1996
Cordwainer Bull "Days Like These" column. This concept of revisiting a particular week in Waikato football history spawned a whole host of similar diary columns in later years for Melville United and Waikato FC
Cordwainer Bull "Days Like These" column. This concept of revisiting a particular week in Waikato football history spawned a whole host of similar diary columns in later years for Melville United and Waikato FC
v Woolston, April 14 1996
Cordwainer Bull column celebrating the traditions and catalogue of sensations at Muir Park being recreated at Porritt Stadium. (An anthology of such columns over a 20-year period in Waikato match programmes is contained in The Waikato Chronicles, advertised for sale on the home page)
Cordwainer Bull column celebrating the traditions and catalogue of sensations at Muir Park being recreated at Porritt Stadium. (An anthology of such columns over a 20-year period in Waikato match programmes is contained in The Waikato Chronicles, advertised for sale on the home page)
v Wellington United, April 25 1996
This was the final match programme to be published under the Waikato United banner, with an off-season merger between Waikato United and Melville AFC resulting in the formation of Melville United to contest the next two seasons of summer football. In his chairman's report Paul Collins also farewelled Darren Melville, who was off to live in Dunedin, after many years of being a critical member of Waikato squads.
This was the final match programme to be published under the Waikato United banner, with an off-season merger between Waikato United and Melville AFC resulting in the formation of Melville United to contest the next two seasons of summer football. In his chairman's report Paul Collins also farewelled Darren Melville, who was off to live in Dunedin, after many years of being a critical member of Waikato squads.