How S/East Division Clubs Are Raising Funds

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Just the club can control them little brats . They maybe young but the abuse we got from them was terrible. Even worse were there stewards who thought was actually funny . I really wanted to have a go at their secretary but I went the right channels in putting a compliant in through Liam. Don't think he got an answer though . Has put me off going there again .

Just depends on who we sign.

We need a forward a 20 goals a season forward. I think the club have made a massive mistake in letting Alex Marshall go. If he was still at the club would have ended top goal scorer.

Leek and Stamford will be up there but this league will not be easy

Matlock Town skipper Adam Yates will have to wait to make his milestone 500th appearance for the club.

He was set to celebrate the feat in the home game against Ashton United on March 17, before the coronavirus outbreak suspended the season.

But with records set to be expunged, he faces the prospect of going back to 469 appearances - how he started the 2019/20 season.

Yates told the club's official website: “When the Covid-19 situation arose, it was in the back of my mind that I might not make my 500th appearance. “Peoples’ safety and lives are more important, I just wanted people to stay safe. That day will come at some point, as a club we wouldn’t want people coming when it’s not safe to do so and the league eventually cancelled the rest of the season. 

“I wasn’t sure whether the appearances I made last year would count but it looks like appearances get expunged as well, it’s not ideal, it’s not great. “The Lads have scored some good goals so it’s hard to take but no-one expected the situation the world finds itself in at the moment.

”Last Thursday the Football Association ratified the decision taken by the Northern Premier, Southern and Isthmian Leagues to make the 2019/20 season null and void.

Yates agrees with the ruling but has sympathy for clubs in the leading positions in the leagues affected. “It could have been resolved in a number of ways and it must be terrible for the top clubs. I suppose we’ve had a bit of a reprieve although I think we’d have got out of it towards the end. “It’s a very hard one but I believe the right decision’s been made. 

“There was too many ifs and buts to make any other decision such as using the average points per game. We’d played only 28 games, some clubs had played thirty five or so, my gut feeling is that the decision’s the right one and that’s not because we’re near the bottom of the division.

”With players facing a longer than usual break from playing, they now face the dual problem of maintaining their fitness and staying safe as the Coronavirus continues to take its toll. “Everyone’s trying to keep ticking over and with the restrictions in place it’s easier for some rather than others. I work from home a lot which is quite helpful but with the nursery closed I also have to keep my young daughter entertained. “I’m managing okay though and we’ve been given training schedules and had bleep tests so we can be prepared whenever we return after this pandemic’s over.”  

 

Last edited by Matchman (16/4/2020 9:13 AM)

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Kidsgrove Athletic Coronavirus Newsletter

They say a week in football is a long time. Well if that is true, then the last three weeks have felt like a lifetime with so much going on.

We played our last game at Frickley Athletic on the 14th March drawing 0-0. Since then, our league has decided to suspend the division due to Covid-19, we've parted company with manager Ryan Austin after more than three years in charge of the club before appointing club legend Scott Dundas as the new manager. Also, our captain, Anthony Malbon, has agreed to sign a new deal to keep him at the club for another two years. That isn't even to mention that the FA decided to terminate the 2019/20 season between step 3 and step 6, that includes us. Here is a timeline of events since the 14th March.

14th March- Frickley Athletic 0 v Kidsgrove Athletic 0. The last game that we played.
16th March- The Northern Premier League suspend all three of its leagues due to Covid-19.
19th March- The club parts company with manager Ryan Austin after more than three years at the helm.
22nd March- Club captain Anthony Malbon agrees a new two-year contract with the club to take his time at least 2022.
23rd March- former all - time top scorer Scott Dundas is appointed as the club's new manager.
26th March- The FA decide to terminate the 2019/20 season, they also Null and Void the season meaning no promotions or relegations out of the league will take place.

We don't know when football will return, but when it does, we hope to count on your support for the new manager and his team

Message from Ian Cooper, Vice - Chairman

The FA's decision to void the Non-League season has come under extreme criticism from some (not all quarters) primarily those who have suffered the unfortunate fate of missing out on promotion/league titles.
For those clubs who received the get out of jail card of not being relegated, there is an expected silence amongst a huge sigh of relief. 

No matter what the decision the FA simply couldn'twin.

We can only hope that there is a consistency throughout the whole of football now, not simply look after the big boys. For me the top club on a point per game basis in every division should have been pro- moted and if currently top of their division like South Shields. Leek Town, Workington, 1874 Northwich, Vauxhall Motors (already achieved promotion) and Lower Breck they should have been crowned champions. Likewise relegation of the bottom team in every division on the same basis. As harsh as it may sound forget the teams occupying playoff positions, there is no guarantee of who wins them anyway. I know how I would feel if it was Kidsgrove Athletic who had been top and missed out, it must be heart wrenching.

Our rivals and friends at Leek Town have shown incredible dignity following the decision.Of course, the enforced break has caused lot bigger worries for clubs like ourselves, with no income whatsoever the day to day utility bills don't stop, then there is the small matter of renovating the pitch, players contracts before we come onto planning for next season.
Budgets, pre-season friendlies none that can be organised until we have a definite return date, that's if we even get a start date in the next two months. By then it maybe too late for some clubs and I include Kidsgrove Athletic in that. Football aside, people's health is far more important. Football will return at some point we can't bring back those that we lose to this terrible virus. So please stay in, stay safe and pray for a return to normality. Oh and take time to appreciate what we do have and our wonderful NHS staff and other key workers.
Take Care, Coop


A note from media man Callum Crabtree

Being a part of the media team at the club has been a fantastic, hands on experience working within the clubs set-up.I’ve expanded my skills greatly in numerous areas of the profession including: Live tweeting, match reports and Website Con-tent amongst many others. The club has a very close knit family type bond which is apparent to see straight away, and I felt like I was apart of that from the very start. Ryan Austin was a very approachable and forthcoming manager who was always willing to speak no matter how good or bad the previous result was and helped me hone my interview skills and for that, I thank him a lot. Being apart of the media team is just that, a team. Head of Media Richard Scott has been very helpful and his passion for the Non-League game is incredible, and helped me along the way with constructing pieces for a Non-League audience. It was also a pleasure to share a press box with Ben Durber who exudes enthusiasm and as a team we worked very well. For any student reading this, I would jump at the chance to work for Kidsgrove as you can come forward with any ideas and work with less restrictions than you would at a professional club to really show off your talent and enthusiasm. My final thanks would go to everyone behind the scenes at the club, including Ian Cooper who allowed me to be apart of the media team throughout the year. From free food to free travel to away games, the volunteers who go the extra mile to ensure everyone is looked after are truly the one’s who keep Non-League Football going.
Whenever the Football season starts again, I’ll most certainly be looking out for the Grove’s re- sults going forward. We would like to thank our supporters for all of their support during the season. You’ve had to make sure really long distance trips to the likes of Cleethorpes, Spalding and Gainsborough Trinity. We hope that when everything blows over you can continue to support us. Also we ask that you support as many of our sponsors as possible. Like everyone they’re finding it hard due to the current situation and would greatly appreciate your support to get things back on track.

 

Last edited by Matchman (16/4/2020 8:46 PM)

Scott Dundas the new Manager of Kisdgrove Athletic is an Ex Robin who played for Ilkeston under the management of John McGinley.

Lincoln United have appointed a new executive board, following their amalgamation with Hykeham Town.

Lee Griffin, who oversaw the link-up and founded Hykeham back in 2014, has been appointed chairman and will undertake financial director responsibilities. Barry Clements continues as the Club's Vice Chair, providing much needed continuity and historical insight of The Whites. Outgoing club chairman Ian Beaumont said: “As previously announced, Lincoln United have joined up with Hykeham Town, which in my opinion has and will guarantee a great future for The Whites.

The amalgamation has formed a fantastic Board of Directors with a mix of Hykeham Town FC Directors and the existing Lincoln United Board. “There is much work to do integrating the two clubs, but I am confident we are again on the right track. I have made the difficult decision after nearly ten years to step down from my duties at the club and pass the Chair’s duties over to Lee Griffin, who I know will work as hard as we have tried to do, ensuring not only the clubs survival but substantially moving forward Lincoln United FC forward.

“I can honestly say during my time at Lincoln United, I have made so many fantastic friends and had some great times along the way; culminating in 2016 when, against all odds, we made it to the playoffs. Furthermore, the following season in my first stint as Club Chair, we had several great cup runs, picking up some well earned prize money along the way, whilst also winning the Lincs Senior Cup for the first time. I have had very special times shared with very special and hard-working people, including our amazing sponsors who have stuck with us through thick and thin.

“I know football is the last thing on people’s mind at the minute, so I hope everyone is staying safe and keeping well. Hopefully we can all get through this and get back to our lives soon. “I wish Lee, the new board and everyone involved at Lincoln United all the very best. I will of course be watching most Saturdays (home and away) as a supporter. Good luck guys!"

Mark Hodds takes over as club secretary from Andy Laver, who steps down after many years of service, while Chris Funnell is the newly appointed Director of Football. Also on board are Laura McWilliams (Marketing Director) and Glen Merryweather (Commercial Director).

New chairman Griffin said: "Making the decision to lose the Hykeham Town FC badge and brand, after 6 incredible seasons was very difficult, especially as the founder of the club. However, the decision to amalgamate with a club that has a rich history and the facilities to become a true community club, was absolutely the right decision.
“Whilst this pandemic represents a difficult time in history, the lockdown has presented an opportunity for the new board to get a lot of the transitional work done behind the scenes.

We are now entering a transformational period in the club’s history, with a renewed focus on getting it right off the field, as well as on it. To do this, we will balance the playing budget with much needed stadia investments, that will ensure the sustainability of the club and unlock the capability to progress on the pitch.
“I would like to sincerely thank all of the HTFC Family for everything they did to make the club a huge success, many of you are making the move across to The Whites, which is very pleasing. I’d like to thank Ian, Barry and Andy for believing in us and making the brave decision to amalgamate the clubs. I’d also like to thank a few influential people for their contribution in making this happen.”  

Stamford have announced that manager Graham Drury has committed to the club for next season.

The Daniels were in title contention in the S/East Division, before the premature end of the 2019/20 campaign.
Chairman David Whitby said: “It is fantastic news to have secured Graham’s services for the next campaign and we hope that we can begin it where we left off!  “Graham is a pleasure to work with and I believe he is vital in helping with the clubs development and ambition in our quest for higher level football in the football pyramid. His non stop and hard working attitude along with his player knowledge and contacts are second to none.

“I believe that it was our best season for many years with a fantastic attacking style of football being played. Grahams recruitment close season was superb with virtually a whole new squad being assembled who immediately gave 100% commitment to the club with their fantastic attitude and skill. 

“The team worked and gelled together very quickly and at the time of ending the season , were just two points off being top of the league and chasing league leaders Leek Town hard.

“I would like to thank each and every member of the playing squad who I believe put in some fantastic and memorable performances.

”Stamford had won 22 of their 29 games during the season, losing just three times. They sat two points behind Leek Town, though the leaders did have a game in hand, and 13 points ahead of third placed Cleethorpes.

Clubs around the Northern Premier League continue to provide updates on their current situations.

Tadcaster Albion have thanked their local council for a grant of £5,000 towards the club’s costs of cleaning, repairing and eventually redeveloping the clubhouse following the recent floods.It is expected the costs to restore the ground will exceed £40,000, with five lost home matches due to the coronavirus lockdown adding to Taddy’s troubles.

Another club hit by flooding in the past season is Belper Town, and their managing director Dave McLaughlin issued a lengthy statement on the current situation, where he revealed they are launching a ‘100 Club’.In it, he said: “The sad reality is that we no longer have any income from football or commercial activities yet we still have contractual and other cost commitments to fulfil.“We are not alone in this and we may be better placed than some to overcome the difficulties but the size of the problem cannot be underestimated. Some clubs at our level may not even survive to start the new season, whenever that is.“Our ambition remains as high as it ever was but we have to acknowledge that the future non league landscape is likely to be vastly different to the one that ended so abruptly a month ago.

”Marske United have raised almost £2,500 through their fundraising efforts.That was despite an unfortunate distraction that saw the club alerted by a local resident that two wooden fence planks had been smashed to gain entry and there was a strong smell of gas.It was found that thieves had cut through a mains gas pipe supplying the clubhouse and stolen the resulting length of copper pipe, and could have caused a major incident for the Marske area. The club thanked local residents, British Gas, Billy from WB Property Repairs and Mike and Jackie Pengilley for their help in resolving the situation.

Brighouse Town have become the latest club to launch a Crowdfunding page.A Brighouse spokesperson said: “The current situation is a threat to many football club’s continuation and existence and we are no different. We are looking for help from the football family the local community and business to help the football club fill this gap. “Without the community, Brighouse doesn’t exist. Everyone at the football club thanks you for your support any amount no matter how small will go towards ensuring the future of the club”

Carlton Town’s Dave Hodgson has thanked everyone for their response to an article with chairman Mick Garton in the local press, which has opened up some doors for the club to raise money in these difficult times.

Workington have now raised an astonishing £14,130 through their fundraising efforts, towards an initial target of £20,000 set by the club’s board of directors.Cleethorpes Town have set up an online shop to enable supporters to purchase items.

The Frickley Athletic Supporters’ Club have donated a “significant amount” of money to help the club, which will be spent on some urgent ground grading requirements as well as supporting the club’s cashflow.A spokesperson said: “The club is hugely thankful both to the Supporters’ Club and indeed everyone else that has stepped up, donated, offered help and is giving support.”

 

Last edited by Matchman (20/4/2020 6:35 AM)

Just shows what intentions these new owners want to do for the club. They are well upset that the club can't get the pitch done this year . But they just take it on the chin and get on with revseeding the pitch and getting rid of the old hoardings . Plus no doubt other stuff as well. Great times ahead with these owners.

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Last edited by Matchman (24/4/2020 9:59 PM)

So the coronavirus has conspired to give us another season of grass football  at the NMG therefore It would  be great if we could win promotion on our superb grass surface.. Whilst we all accept  that an artificial  pitch is the way forward it will not break our hearts to have another season on grass.  I know that many officials from visiting clubs expressed  disappointment  when told of our plans.  Many have said that our ground and pitch is the best in the league and that they really look forward  to coming here.

Last edited by Matchman (26/4/2020 2:37 PM)

Basford manager Steve Chettle has secured five signings to kick-off the club’s objective to attract the best young players in the region.

Fringe first-team players Rev James, James Carvell and Wyade Hines have penned new deals, while the club has also signed two from elsewhere.
Striker Niall Towle, 19, joins on a two-year deal with a third-year option from Long Eaton, while a second signing also on a two-year deal will be revealed at a later date.
Chettle said: “It was always within our plans to find and recruit exciting young talent for Basford United. We have been monitoring all of these players last season and we are now delighted to have them on board. "During pre-season, they will all be integrated into the first-team squad for pre-season training sessions, and in the pre-season games schedule that we are finalising.
”Winger James, 20, broke in to the first team at the back end of the season, making five appearances, and has signed a two-year deal.
Striker Hines, 16, signed back in March from Eastwood, is dubbed as “an extremely mature and powerful striker for his age” by the club.
Completing the trio is former Barnsley trainee Carvell, 22, who signs a one-year extension. He ended the season on loan at Belper Town, scoring one goal in three appearances. He was also on the scoresheet for Basford earlier in the season against Lancaster, one of four games for his parent club in the 2019/20 campaign.

Carlton Town joint manager Tommy Brookbanks says he is upbeat about the future of the club, after it received a rates grant from the local council.


The £10,000 grant from Gedling Borough Council will help the club pay their ground rent and insure the stadium. It comes on the back of the recently launched 100 club initiative.

Brookbanks has also had positive conversations with his players, who were on the verge of the play-offs when the season was brought to a premature end.

He told the club’s official website: “We had the same momentum as when we took Coalville up, I could really feel it and the good news is those players want to go again.

“We had already contracted some of our key players for next season before all this took hold and the remaining players in the squad have verbally told me, they wish to stay and complete unfinished business.

“This is very much a young squad and myself Mark and the coaching staff feel they can develop even further next season.

“No future potential signings have been contacted by us as a club at this stage as we feel it’s not morally correct to do so in these trying times, even though other clubs have been talking to our lads, all be it before the official end of season date which technically is not until next weekend. That is their prerogative, but contracts for example are still running till then.  

Last edited by Matchman (29/4/2020 8:37 AM)