In the first of a series of Southbank Flashbacks we take a trip down memory lane to August 2003 when a squad of fresh-faced Southbank stars spent the day training with former England wingers Chris Waddle and John Barnes.

The following report is the write-up from the time, first published on southbankfc.com on 10th August 2003.

Southbank Impress at Lilleshall

Southbank's long awaited trip to Lilleshall went off in style last weekend as the chosen squad of 12 braved the searing heat to be entertained by former England wing kings John Barnes and Chris Waddle.

An overnight stay was arranged in the Telfords magnificent Travel Lodge and our intrepid campaigners where really put through their paces by the pace of the local nightlife. Having endured a torturous Harvester meal (if you've been before you'll know not to go back) it was off to the backwaters of a local "town" for a few quiet beers to settle the nerves before the big day on Saturday. The small town of Wellington boasts about 5 pubs and one late drinking dive they affectionately refer to as a nightclub. Those that made it that far will tell you its sight to be seen, and even the After Dark or RG1's compare more than favourabley! The locals where just as bad, and it was difficult to find the words to words to describe them....Slags seemed to be the most the accurate.

After a sound nights sleep (barring a little snoring here and there), our heroes were picked up from their hotel and transported to Lilleshall where Waddle and Barnes were waiting to pass on their 140 odd caps worth of experience.

The day was split into two parts. The morning consisted of two sessions of training under the guidance of each coach. The afternoon was a mini-tournament between Southbank and the other 3 teams there for the day.

Southbanks first training session saw them paired with John Barnes for some training games to sharpen up those skills before the afternoons tournament. The Southbank squad acquitted themselves well in the early stages, and under Spokes' leadership his team won nearly every event. The highlight of the session though was the sudden death penalty shootout. Harvey showed his true class in this event with a fantastic penalty with his left foot. The 50 or so onlookers certainly enjoyed seeing him scuff it wide off the inside of his heel!

The next session saw Chris Waddle take us for some trickery and shooting practice. Its enough to say that the keepers weren't really troubled. Southbank did produce a few good moments with Spokes pulling of a fine camera save (in front of the cameraman as well!) and Woodrow impressing Waddle with some teasing crosses. Budda was then outdone by Karl in the free kick session when Karl ping'd one in of the angle of post and bar.

After a brief lunch break, during which Chris and John (first name terms now!) both shared some good stories with the teams - Barnsey treated us to the full Anfield Rap whilst Waddle didn't mind slagging off the odd England manager (do I not like that!) - the tournament kicked off.

John Barnes was appointed manager of the two English sides for the day and his team talk was simple. "Their Welsh, so kick their arses." Simple but effective and Southbank won the first game at a canter. With Woodrow pulling the strings only bad luck and the woodwork prevented a cricket score as both Barnes' English teams won through to the final at the expenses of the Taffs.

The final saw a one sided affair and Southbank easily controlled the game. With Harvey impressing on the right side of midfield (for 5 minutes at least) it looked like Southbank would coast the final and take home their first silverware of the season. Danny scored with a header from a Woodrow corner but it was disallowed for some reason and that kinda summed up the rest of the game. Despite playing some good football The 'Bank had little to show for it. 0-0 at full time and in to the dreaded penalties (Waddle seemed to go ever so quiet at this point).

Southbank were robbed of the trophy as Woodrow, Holton and Malcs all failed to score with their penalties. Despite Spokes saving one TWICE, and Budda and Harvey finding the net the team from Lincoln went home with the trophy safe in the knowledge that Southbank were the morale victors!

A great day out and Barnes and Waddle were top blokes and made the day one to remember - even if Barnes wouldn't sign the porn!

--------

It's fair to it was a cracking day out, and a memorable 'quiet night' before hand as we saved ourselves for the big day.

The Lilleshall Squad (left to right), Back Row: Malcolm Everest, Neil Hankinson, Ian Harvey, Chris Waddle (guest), Danny Fitzpatrick, John Barnes (guest), James Spokes, Karl Lobato.
Front Row: Ben Neo, Steve Woodrow, Paul Towner, Russ Simove. Not in Picture: Mark Holton, Steve Booth (in the changing room and not bitter)

Click here to see a few more photo's from the day.