South Manchester Sports Club are enjoying their 65th year. The treble is still on as we meet the players who will line-up in Sunday's Jewish FA Cup final against Brady Maccabi.
LOZ NEWMAN (Co-manager and Defender)
'The Gun Show' has South blood running through his body. The oldest member of the squad, his clothing labels are second to none, and his love of the gym has taken his fitness levels to completely new levels allowing him to play Saturdays and Sundays on a regular basis at the age of 38. Made famous in the Jewish footballing world for missing the crucial penalty in the semi-finals in the Maccabiah, he is hoping this summer's Maccabiah provides fonder memories. Started his career as a striker, he has found his natural position as a full-back, and provides a calming influence to others on the pitch (well sometimes!). He has taken the team to new levels this year and believes this could be SMSC's time.
MARK STEWART (Co- Manager and Midfielder)
‘Stewy the King’ has been at the club since a boy and is Mr South. Cousin of former South favourite and now Oakwood’s Adam Levine, he is prone to similar tackles, injuries and red cards particularly with his dad in attendance. Making a long overdue appearance in a Maccabiah this summer. Great ambassador for the Club and somehow finds time to manage the U7’s as well (and run a business and follow City home & away and be a husband/dad of two). Famously captained South in the Faye and Henry Shonn Memorial Trophy 10-0 defeat to Oakhill in the mid 90’s
JODY MARKS (Assistant-Manager)
Jody thought he had hung his gloves up only to be recalled with Akiva away for the quarters. He swiftly broke his hand despite not actually making a save against Hendon. ‘Noodle Wrists’ was swiftly renamed ‘Matzah wrists’ due to the timing of the game. His move into management has been of huge benefit to the Club, and whatever happens in the remaining games he has already proven to be hugely popular and successful in this new role
AKIVA LIEBERMAN (Goalkeeper)
Signed this season with concerns over the fitness of Jody Marks and ‘Kiva’ has proved a hugely important addition. Manchester’s top Jewish cricketer (Ed. sorry Filly!) turned shot-stopper. Likes a pint
MARK COLLINS (Defender)
Son of South Manchester vice-chairman Neil. His dad was the last man to lift the National cup for South in 1981. Mark, set for his double testimonial next season (South's David O'Leary), has come in and made the left-back position his own and ‘Collo’ will hope to be following in illustrious footsteps
MARK ADDIS (Defender)
Now one of the senior members of the team, but also one of the most important, famously dropped for a Maccabiah final, he will most certainly be leading the back four for this. Mark, recently a dad to triplets, just about gets let out to play for South each week and will be hoping the late kick-off time doesn’t cause a problem
MICHAEL STRATTON (Capt) (Defender)
Made Captain this year and has rewarded the Management. One of the key reasons South have lost just four league games in two seasons and optimises what the Club is all about. Struggles with Umbro short sizes! The club shop sells more posters of "Stratts" to female fans than any other player
JACK ROWE (Defender)
No doubt one of the talented youngsters that will serve South for years to come. Part of the Spice Boys in the squad, regularly ‘pulls hamstrings’ after a Saturday night, forcing him out of selection
HARVEY KAYE (Midfied)
Earmarked from a young age as "one to watch" by the South Academy, Harvey is arguably South’s player of the year with non-stop performances down the flanks and scorer of the crucial goal against Hendon in the quarter-final. There was talk that he would struggle with his partner in crime Toby Levy leaving for Oakwood, but these fears have proven unfounded
ALEX KOSLOVER (Midfield)
‘Kozzy’ has been travelling for much of the season but returned for the business end. Cool, calm holding midfielder and will be in some demand from the London clubs when he 'sadly' makes the move down South
SIMON DAVIES (Midfield)
Another Academy player, ‘Skip’ made such an impressive debut for the 1st team some years ago, he was labelled a future captain for years to come. He hasn’t had the armband yet, but captain’s performances have ensured this nickname has rightfully stuck
TOM CANTOR (Midfield)
King Rat in the middle of the park, Tom has had an excellent couple of season's never giving the opposition a minute’s peace. His Mum brings the half time oranges
MARC YAFFE (Midfield)
The only time you see Marc without a three-piece suit on is on the football pitch. South’s celeb man on the Manchester scene off the pitch, tricky winger on it. Recently identified by footballing guru, Gok Kwan, as "hot" and one to watch" @marcyaffe
DANIEL ADCOCK (Midfield)
Safe to say ‘Swindon’ has gone thru the pain barrier to make the Morrison squad this season. Tough tackling defensive midfielder. Overcome injury to show again why he was a key member of South’s 2011/12 title winning side
DAVID CHAYTOW
‘Chay’ took some time out to play for another side in Manchester (that his manager can’t name!) but came back from the dark side and hasn’t looked back. Medals and a smile to prove it was the right decision
ADAM LAVIN (Forward)
Probably the player that everyone has heard of at South Manchester. Chasing down Romario's record of 1,000 goals ‘Lavs’ has 32 goals this season so far, adding to 40+ last year (not that he keeps count!). At times simply unplayable and without doubt one of the finest Jewish footballers to come from Manchester
BOBBY ABRAMS (Forward)
The most laid-back member of the squad. MJSL player of the year last season and signed to play his FIRst season in Non-Jewish football. Probably been a culture shock having to turn up on time, but he has been a hugely popular addition. Scored a typically brilliant winner against title favourites Miam Miam a few weeks ago that could be very significant come May
JACK LEE (Midfield)
To coin one of Jack’s favourite words, he is a really ‘spicy’ player. Out wide or up top, Jack is strong and powerful and has developed an accent that might have seen him rowing for Oxford had he not favoured the Black and Blue of South
MARC PARRY
Although not in the squad through the horrendous injury suffered in an earlier round, the gaffer should mention Marc. He was up until that point our Player of the Year and will be badly missed on Cup Final day and in the team's title run-in. No doubt he will take his place on the sides and expect immaculate attire much like his kit. South’s king of the Football accessory
JONNY DAVIS (Chairman/The Abramovich of South Manchester)
What more can be said about Jonny Davis? The big Macha of Manchester Jewish football, known simply as ‘The Gibbon’ by all at South Manchester. He is quite simply the Godfather of South. Found at the South Manchester Centre from 8am til’ dark every day, some say the very foundations were built on his giant cigar stubbs. When he is not at the Centre he is on the JC website or speaking to Danny Caro to get the latest information on the crazy world of Jewish Football. Alongside Neil Collins he will no doubt be making plans for the 65th anniversary of South Manchester, the Club they have both done so much for over the years and quite simply adore
