Two in on loan (Fri 04 Nov)
Darren Edmondson has added two players loaned from Hartlepool United to his squad and are available for tomorrow’s home clash with Hinckley United, (3pm).
Youth team striker, 17 year old Steven Snaith (inset) and Reserves defender, 19 year old Paul Johnson have joined the Reds for a month loan spell.
Snaith is top scorer for 'Pool's Youth Team this season having scored eight goals in ten games.
Johnson, a regular in the 'Pool Reserves, made his First Team debut in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the end of last season.
He is yet to break through in to first this season and 'Pool manager Mick Wadsworth has agreed for him to get games out on loan at Workington.
New recruit (Thu 08 Sep)
Darren Edmondson has added former Football League front man, Kevin Gall, to his squad and the twenty-nine year old is available for today’s home clash with league leaders, Hyde (3pm).
Gall, a Welsh U21 cap, was last registered with Wrexham so club officials had to obtain International Clearance from the Football Association of Wales. Indeed, both our FA and the FAW deserve a pat on the back for getting the clearance through which arrived just before 8pm on Friday.
Kevin, best remembered for his time at Yeovil Town between 2003 and 2006, has also played for Bristol Rovers, Carlisle United, Darlington, Lincoln City, Port Vale, York City and Wrexham.
His fifty-career goals included one in the red international shirt for Wales – an omen for today perhaps.
Something has to give (Thu 08 Sep)
Congratulations to Hyde on their fantastic start to the campaign – seven wins from seven games is an impressive record especially when considering they only won ten games in total last season.
So, they bring their 100% record to Borough Park and would expect to maintain their winning start at our expense but to do so would mean ending our unbeaten record against Hyde United/Hyde in Conference North competition. We have never lost this fixture in twelve meetings at this level winning six and drawing six to date.
Previous encounters:
Season Home Away
05-06 1-0 1-1
06-07 3-1 1-1
07-08 2-0 2-1
08-09 2-2 4-4
09-10 2-2 2-0
10-11 1-1 3-2
Will it be thirteenth time lucky for Hyde?
Reds youngest supporter (Sun 28 Aug)
The change in fortunes for the Reds team on Saturday may in part be due to Reds youngest supporter George David Marshall bringing us some much needed luck.
George, only 19 days old, was born on 8th August and was accompanied by father Martyn Marshall and grandfather David Temple.
George is a fourth generation supporter with his other grandfather Norman Marshall and great grandfather Wilk Temple also Reds fans.
Grounds revisited (Sun 28 Aug)
Having been to Altrincham in our first away game, Reds supporters now have the opportunity to visit two more grounds that we haven’t been to for some time.
On Monday we travel to North Wales for a first visit to Colwyn Bay since late in the 2003-04 campaign. Simon Tucker and David Hewson were in the Reds squad that day as we obtained a point in a goalless draw. An omen perhaps!
Then, next Saturday, we travel to Halifax for the first time in decades. We take on FC Halifax Town at The Shay Stadium (the last time we were there it was to play Halifax Town at The Shay) – a ground that has had a major revamp in recent years.
The last time a Reds team played there they were on the receiving end of a 6-1 thumping – hopefully not an omen for our first visit in thirty-four years.
Sponsorship Partner offer (Wed 17 Aug)
The winner of this seasons' Club Sponsorship Draw has kindly donated the full package won back to the football club.
They are intending to sell the lucrative package to any interested party, with all proceeds from the sale being donated back to the Club.
The cost of the Sponsorship Partner's package, if bought individually, would cost circa £1500.
The Sponsorship Partner package includes:
Vice Presidents season ticket
Match Sponsor, with all that goes with it
Full page colour advert in the Match Day Programme
Name and logo on front cover of programme
Name on all letterheads and compliment slips
Advertising perimeter board
Company Name displayed at the entrance to Borough Park
If you are interested in making a offer for this package please contact Clare in the club office on 01900 602871 between 10am - 12 noon, or use the contact form below.
The big kick off (Fri 12 Aug)
Reds go into their seventh season of Conference North football today when they host Boston United at Borough Park (3pm).
They will be hoping, at the ninth attempt, to dent Boston’s 100% league record against us – a quite remarkable statistic.
Darren Edmondson goes into the season with a twenty-one man squad but three of those, David Hewson (injured), Gari Rowntree (injured) and Dan Wordsworth (suspended), will not feature, obviously.
Kyle May remains a doubt but Edmo’s six new signings – Mark Boyd, Dan Dillon, Stuart Green, David McNiven, Jake Simpson and Simon Tucker – are all included in the squad.
David McNiven became the latest recruit on Thursday when he attended the club’s photo call then put pen to paper.
Unusually, the Boston party will be travelling on the day.
Rare visit to Keswick (Sun 07 Aug)
Reds will play their first game in Keswick for fifteen years on Monday (7pm) when they take on the Westmorland League outfit in what will be our last pre-season match before the serious stuff gets underway on Saturday.
The Keswick club invited Reds to play in this special game which will mark the opening of their excellent new facilities at Fitz Park.
Reds last played a fixture in the town during the 95-96 season when we obtained a 3-1 Cumberland Cup semi-final win at the old Keswick ground. A 500 plus crowd watched that game and a similar attendance this time would be a great boost for the local side.
Access to the ground can be found off Crosthwaite Road which can be reached via the roundabout on the A66.
Penultimate friendly (Fri 05 Aug)
Reds play their penultimate pre-season game on Saturday when they travel to the Giant Axe to take on Lancaster City (3pm).
On the corresponding Saturday last year, Reds inflicted a 2-1 defeat upon City thanks to goals from Jonny Wright and Gareth Arnison after Adam Farrell had given the home side an interval lead.
City, like Reds, have had a busy pre-season and have played, among others, the likes of Barrow, Bishop Auckland, Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool. They managed to obtain a 3-1 win against the latter last Monday with Zach Clark amongst the goals – he played for Reds’ Reserves last season.
Tony Hesketh guided City to 8th position in the Evo-Stik First Division North last term and they also lifted the President’s Cup after a 3-1 victory over Belper Town.
Reds will be hoping to bounce back after the poor display at West Auckland and Darren Edmondson should be able to field the team he will probably select v. Boston United the following week.
Naive Reserves come unstuck (Thu 04 Aug)
HARRABY CATHOLIC CLUB 3 WORKINGTON RESERVES 1
Reds Reserves looked to be heading for a commendable draw against Northern Alliance League opposition only to concede two late goals, and the match, in Thursday evening’s friendly in Carlisle.
In a goalless first half, a below strength Reds’ team came closest to scoring.
Mason McGeachan, (pictured), narrowly missed the target after Chris Graves set up the opportunity then Graves, himself, had a shot on goal which was comfortably saved by former Reds’ player, Ian Milburn.
Harraby, managed by Dabba’s brother, opened the scoring early in the second half when Dan Bulman met James Tose’s cross from the right to guide the ball past goalkeeper, Matthew McKeown.
Reds battled back and equalised in the seventieth minute thanks to Stefan Scott’s coolly converted penalty. He had been fouled by Milburn then sent the ‘keeper the wrong way from the spot.
Two mistakes gifted Harraby the crucial second goal brilliantly despatched from just inside the Workington half by Ashley Combe.
Scott twice shot over the bar as Reds pressed for a leveller but the homeside scored again and although, Alan Casey was in an offside position when he received the ball, there was no argument about his fine finish.
Dave Rodgie’s side are next in action at Penrith on Tuesday.
Reserves update (Wed 03 Aug)
Reds’ Reserves are preparing for their ninth season in the Lancashire League which will kick off on 18th August with a home game v. Fleetwood Town. The first away game is at Bambe r Bridge on 27th August.
After playing two games (a draw and a defeat) in the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy at Whitehaven, Dave Rodgie’s side have played two further warm-up games.
They lost 4-1 at Matt Henney’s Cleator Moor Celtic but were then victorious in a home match versus Kendal United.
Andrew Bromley opened the scoring at Cleator Moor but the ‘hoops’ levelled before the interval. Reds had been the better side throughout the first half but were distinctly second best after the break conceding three more goals including an OG and a penalty.
They obtained their first pre-season win at Borough Park overcoming Kendal United 3-0 thanks to goals from Callum Killick (pictured), Ryan Veitch and Stefan Scott.
On Thursday they play Harraby at Gillford Park (6.30pm) then take on Penrith’s beleaguered first team at Frenchfield next Tuesday (9/8).
Reds go east to meet West (Tue 02 Aug)
Reds play their sixth pre-season game tonight when they travel along the A66 to meet STL Northern League outfit West Auckland Town (7.30pm).
It will be Reds’ first visit to the Darlington Road ground for seventeen years when they drew an FA Cup tie there.
West Auckland Town knocked Reds out of the Cup in the replay that season and almost repeated the feat last term when they gave us an almighty scare at Borough Park. Adam Nicholls had put West in front but Reds scraped through thanks to goals from Lee Andrews (his first for the club) and Matty Tymon. Lee should be back in the squad tonight after missing the last two games whilst on holiday.
After finishing 6th last season, Town will provide another tough test for Darren Edmondson’s squad which has produced very satisfying performances in the recent games against Carlisle United, Hartlepool United and Barrow. The manager will be hoping for more of the same this evening.
Hoof It romps home to victory (Sat 30 Jul)
Hoof It was a brilliant winner of the Blue Square Stewards' Cup at Glorious Goodwood on Saturday as he won his second big pot in the space of eight days.
He defied a 6lb-penalty and top-weight of 10 stone in some style as he annihilated the field by two-and-a-half lengths.
With thanks to Blue Square, the sponsors of the Stewards' Cup and the Football Conference leagues, the Reds will pick up a £2,700 prize.
Stuart Green signs (Sat 30 Jul)
Stuart Green put pen to paper yesterday bringing the Whitehaven born attacking midfielder to Borough Park on a two year deal.
Later in the day he scored on his debut against county neighbours Barrow in the 1 – 1 draw. Barrow subsequently regained the Chas Kendal trophy with a 6 – 5 penalty shoot-out success.
Green started his career at Newcastle United but did not break into the first team and went out on loan to Carlisle United in the 2001-02 season.
He then joined Hull City, initially on loan, being signed by Peter Taylor who subsequently signed him for Crystal Palace and Wycombe Wanderers.
After Peter Taylor was sacked as Crystal Palace manager he signed an 18-month contract with Blackpool but after making only 6 appearances he re-joined Peter Taylor at Wycombe.
Reds’ chairman Humphrey Dobie, following contract discussions, commented that he was highly impressed by Green’s professionalism.
Hoof It (Sat 30 Jul)
The world No2 golfer Lee Westwood will be taking a trip to Glorious Goodwood on today to see Hoof It, the horse he owns jointly with his manager Chubby Chandler. Hoof It became the new favourite for the Stewards' Cup after taking a valuable sprint at York last Saturday, (pictured).
Workington Reds fans will be hoping the four year old gelding, favourite for the Stewards' Cup, will come home first thus securing Workington AFC a £2,000 prize plus the equivalent of a £100 bet at the Blue Square SP, currently at 6/1.
Blue Square are sponsoring the race and allocated a horse to all the teams in the Blue Square Bet Premier, North and South. The Reds were fortunate to be drawn the favourite.
Watch the race live on Channel 4 at 3:45pm.
Joe Kendrick (Sat 30 Jul)
Former Workington Reds left-back Joe Kendrick, 28, has signed a one year deal with Blue Square Bet Premier side Mansfield Town.
The Dublin born defender has played for a number of clubs since he left Workington in 2007, initially he transferred to Newcastle Blue Star but he has also played for Drogheda United, Bray Wanderers and Sligo Rovers in Ireland.
In 2008-09 Joe had a spell in the Azerbaijan capital Baku playing for Neftchi Baku PFC who were champions of the Azerbaijan Premier league last season.
Next stop Holker Street (Thu 28 Jul)
Reds and Barrow will continue their respective pre-season programmes by contesting the Chas Kendall Trophy at Holker Street on Friday (7.45pm). The trophy has been played for spasmodically over the past decade with Barrow recording four successes compared to our two.
It was last contested two years ago when Reds lifted the trophy in controversial circumstances. At the eleventh hour, after Reds had completed all the arrangements for a first team fixture (programmes, catering, stewards etc.), Barrow sent a reserve side. It proved to be a non-event with Reds lacking in motivation and the Barrow youngsters simply not good enough to make it a decent contest. For the record, Reds won 3-0 thanks to goals from Dan Shannon (2) and Dan Robinson.
A far better encounter is anticipated this evening with both teams buoyed by mid-week victories on home soil.
Barrow will include former Reds’ players Gavin Skelton and Andy Cook in their squad while ex. Bluebirds Mark Boyd, Aaran Taylor and Tony Hopper will be wearing red at Holker Street.
There may be a new player in the squad with Darren Edmondson, who played for and briefly managed Barrow, hoping to include Stuart Green for part of the match. Green has been in discussion with the manager, chairman and secretary over the past couple of days with a view to becoming a Workington player.
Summary of previous Chas Kendall Trophy encounters:
2000 Barrow 3 Workington 2 (played over two legs)
2001 Workington 3 Barrow 0
2002 Barrow 1 Workington 0
2003 Barrow 5 Workington 0
2008 Barrow 3 Workington 2
2009 Workington 3 Barrow 0
Busy week for Reds (Wed 27 Jul)
Reds face a hectic week as the pre-season programme continues with a visit from Carlisle United tonight (7.30pm) followed by trips to Barrow on Friday and West Auckland Town next Tuesday.
Darren Edmondson will be hoping for a repeat of the performance against Hartlepool United as he tries to plot the downfall of his former club but knows it will be tough against Greg Abbott’s side now finding form after some indifferent results last week.
United were emphatic winners against an inept Middlesbrough outfit last night and that followed Saturday’s equally impressive win against Doncaster Rovers. Reds, meanwhile, have lost all three games to date but, whilst there was disappointment in the defeat at Whitehaven, there was plenty of encouragement from the performances against north east duo Gateshead and Hartlepool.
Jonny Wright, Gareth Arnison and Anthony Wright should be back to face United but their return is offset by the loss of skipper David Hewson and Lee Andrews both of whom are on holiday.
Referee this evening is Seb Stockbridge who has been promoted since his last appearance at Borough Park – the play-off match here against Alfreton Town fifteen months ago. He has seen plenty of Carlisle recently having refereed their abandoned game at Gateshead and then on duty at Brunton Park last night as an assistant.
Admission charges tonight:
£8
£4 (concession)
Football League opposition in town (Fri 22 Jul)
Reds continue their pre-season campaign on Saturday (3pm) with a visit from League 1 side Hartlepool United who will be making their first visit to west Cumbria for thirty-five years.
Mick Wadsworth will bring a full squad to Borough Park and intends to play a different team in each half.
They are well ahead of Reds in their preparations having played two games in Holland (a win and a draw), a home match v. Barnsley (0-3) and a game at Blyth Spartans (3-1). In comparison, Reds followed up last Saturday’s reverse at Whitehaven with a home defeat by Gateshead and are still to score a goal in pre-season.
Reds and Hartlepool were regular opponents during our Football League era and, in forty four meetings, they were victorious sixteen times – we won fourteen.
Cup meetings were few but United did win both knocking us out of the FA Cup during the sixties and the League Cup a decade later.
Quite a few players have represented both clubs at various stages of their respective careers with Hartlepool stalwarts Malcolm Dawes, John Honour and Mally Moore actually Workington players when the north east outfit last played in Workington (1976). More recently, Billy Greulich, who was with Pools last season, spent a brief period on loan here.
Mick Wadsworth’s illustrious career brought him to Borough Park on several occasions as both player and manager with his first visit over thirty years ago as a member of Frickley Athletic’s Northern Premier League team.
Manager Darren Edmondson, a player under Wadsworth at Carlisle United, has no serious injury problems but there will be one or two absentees due to ‘social commitments’.
Jez Simpson will referee the game with the Backhouse father and son combination his assistants.
Admission £8 and £4 (concessions).
Gateshead FC Preview (Tue 20 Jul)
Gateshead visit Borough Park on Thursday following on from matches against fellow Cumbrian sides Carlisle United and Kendal Town in the past week.
Gateshead were leading Carlisle 2 – 0 last Saturday when the match was abandoned on 68 minutes. Goals from Yemi Odubade and Kyle Nix had put Ian Bogie’s side infront before torrential rain put an end to proceedings.
On Tuesday, Gateshead visited Parkside Road and were comfortable 4 – 0 winners against Kendal Town. The goals were scored by Kris Gate, Josh Gilles and two from Jon Shaw.
The Gateshead website reported that Manager Ian Bogie, delighted with the performances against Huddersfield town and Carlisle at the International Stadium, wants to see those standards maintained this week in Cumbria.
"We played really well in the two games against League One opposition and it was a pity Saturday's game against Carlisle was washed out after an hour.
"We have set standards in those games and I am looking for the same level of performance against Kendal and Workington which will be two good work outs.
"It is all about attitude. At Harrogate last week we didn't play well and we have to show consistency if we are to achieve our aims this season.
"We have had a great two days in Cumbria so far. The lads have been abseiling, rock climbing, task solving and mountain climbing with more activities planned.
Reds’ manager Darren Edmondson should have a full squad available apart from the still absent club skipper Dave Hewson, with Gareth Arnison and Adam Main returning from holiday and new signing Dan Dillon recovered from his injury that ruled him out of Saturday’s opening friendly against Whitehaven AFC.
Edmondson was not too disapointed with the one-nil defeat against Whitehaven AFC at the weekend as it gave all the players at least a 45 minute run-out, no injuries were picked up and an opportunity to assess the trialists.
Pre-season kicks off (Fri 15 Jul)
Workington AFC start their pre-season campaign with a trip to Whitehaven AFC to compete in the four-team Shaun Hocking memorial tournament.
The Reds will feature a full squad, including trialists, apart form striker Gareth Arnison who is away on holiday and long term injured Gari Rowntree.
The game will give an opportunity for the Reds manager Darren Edmondson to evaluate the much travelled and vastly experienced David McNiven, (pictured left).
McNiven, age 33, started his career at Oldham Athletic and has played for around 15 teams in England, Scotland and also in Sweden.
Latterly he has played in the Blue Square Bet North for Stafford Rangers, Hyde FC and Droylsden.
Oldest rule book sold (Thu 14 Jul)
Today, in a packed saleroom at Sotheby’s London, the earliest rules of club football - sold as part of the historic archive of the world’s oldest football club, Sheffield - fetched £881,250 (pre-sale estimate £800,000 -£1.2m).
This extraordinary and unique piece of sporting history, which represents a crucial step towards the evolution of the modern game of association football, was bought by an anonymous telephone bidder.
The archive includes the earliest set of rules ever likely to come to the market - both the original handwritten draft rules (1858) and the only known surviving copy of the printed Rules, Regulations, & Laws of the Sheffield Foot-Ball Club (1859).
Chairman of Sheffield Football Club, Richard Tims, commented: “In the run up to Sotheby’s sale of Sheffield FC’s archive there was huge international interest, reflecting the truly global appeal of both the game itself and its remarkable evolution. We are delighted with the sale of this extraordinary piece of sporting history, the proceeds of which will allow Sheffield Football Club to develop its facilities and secure its future as the home of grass-roots football.
Sheffield v Hallam FC in December 1860 is the first recorded inter-club football match while the first inter-club competition, the Youdan Cup, was played in 1867 in Sheffield, under the 'Sheffield Rules'.
New season Blue Square footballs revealed (Tue 12 Jul)
The new season footballs to be used in the Blue Square Bet North have been revealed.
Supplied by Fila, one of the world's largest sportswear manufacturing companies, that was founded in 1911 in Italy. The company is now South Korean owned since a take-over in 2007.
The company's primary product was originally underwear, before moving into sportswear in the 1970s, initially with the endorsement of tennis player Björn Borg.
Fila mainly endorses tennis players but also endorses the Australian Cricket Team and Paris Hilton!
Fila now has offices in 11 countries worldwide.
Season opener (Sun 10 Jul)
Whitehaven AFC's Shaun Hocking Memorial Tournament next weekend is in honour of the late chairman Shaun Hocking, (pictured), who sadly died earlier this year.
The event, which will be held annually, will feature along with Workington AFC and hosts Whitehaven AFC, Netherhall and Windscale.
The tournament is being held in tribute to the club’s co-founder who has overseen the clubs rise into the Northern League.
Shaun was a former member of the Workington Reds Supporters club.
The tournament will be held over three days; Saturday 16th July, Tuesday 19th July and Saturday 23rd July, with two matches per day using both Whitehaven's grass and 3G pitches.
All fans will be charged admission with the monies raised going to the Polio Society.
Shaun Hocking memorial tournament 16-23 July (Sat 09 Jul)
The Reds start their pre-season fixtures competing in Whitehaven AFC's Shaun Hocking memorial tournament.
The first match against hosts Whitehaven is on Saturday 16 July, 2:30pm kick-off.
Next up are Netherhall on the following Tuesday 19 July, 7:30pm kick-off and finally Windscale on Saturday 23 July, 2:30pm kick-off.
The Netherhall and Windscale games will be contested by the Reds Rerserves as they also start their pre-season campaign.
Away travel arrangements (Thu 07 Jul)
A limited number of seats are available for supporters to away games on the team bus.
Additionally, bookings are being taken for the first overnight stay for the trip to Gloucester City on 20th August.
Details of away travel arrangements and how to book a seat on the team bus are available in the Supporters Section of the website.
http://workingtonafc.com/travel.aspx
Admission prices on the gate for U16's (Wed 06 Jul)
After tonight's board meeting it was agreed to reduce the admission charge on the gate for children to £5, (last season it was £7).
Children's season tickets can still be bought for £40. All season ticket prices are the same as last year.
All admission prices, (with the exception of the above), are the same as last year.
Hartlepool United friendly confirmed (Wed 06 Jul)
A final home friendly League One Hartlepool United has been confirmed for Saturday 23rd July, 3:00pm kick off.
Managed by former Carlisle United manager Mick Wadsworth, the Pools squad includes former Carlisle player and Carlisle born Paul Murray, former Carlisle player Evan Horwood and Peruvian international and former Newcastle United player Nolberto ‘Nobby’ Solano, (pictured right).
The opening pre-season fixtures have also been confirmed with the Reds playing Whitehaven and Netherhall in the Whitehaven tournament on Saturday 16th July and Tuesday 19th July respectively.
Both the Whitehaven and Netherhall games are to be played at Whitehaven’s Focus Scaffolding Sports Complex.
No tea party for the opener (Wed 06 Jul)
The Reds start off their new season campaign with a visit from promotion contenders Boston United. The Pilgrims were 5-3 victors on their visit to Borough Park last February and are currently 8/1 third favourites to win the league.
Hitting the road, the Reds travel to second favourites Altrincham, demoted from the Premier league and then face the long trip to face Gloucester City at Cheltenham Town's Abbey Business Stadium. Gloucester City have apparently fixture clashes with their tenants Cheltenham.
Other fixtures to note are the trip to Colwyn Bay on the August Bank holiday and Gainsborough Trinity (away) is again on a Tuesday. Hopefully a trip to Lincoln hospital won't be on the cards this time. This will be the third mid-week visit to Gainsborough in our time in Conference North.
Our trip to Histon is on an FA Cup date and if they, (or us), are still in t’cup it will mean a mid-week sortie to Cambridge.
The Christmas/New Year double header is again against our nearest neighbours Blyth Spartans with them visiting Borough Park on Boxing Day.
The trip to Bishop's Stortford is on January 21st, while their return trip is in March.
The regular season culminates with a trip to Worcester City on the 28th April.
PRESS RELEASE: Football Conference fixtures - 2011-12 (Tue 05 Jul)
After agreeing to withhold publication of the 2011/2012 Fixture List until after Rushden & Diamonds FC’s Appeal Hearing had been conducted, the Football Conference is pleased to be able to release the fixtures on the date originally planned, Tuesday 5th July.
Chairman Brian Lee said, “Following submission of the Competition’s response to the Appeal on Friday, the Club withdrew its challenge against being expelled from the Competition, less than 24 hours before its Appeal was due to be heard. The Football Conference is, therefore, able to start the new season with the Constitution agreed by the member Clubs at the Annual General Meeting on 11 June 2011.
“Whilst the Conference is pleased the decisions made at the AGM will prevail, it is equally concerned at the loss of another member Club. Having risen to League 1 of the Football League in recent seasons, it is sad to see a Club of Rushden’s previous stature falling down the National League Structure. It is further support for the Conference’s policy guide to members, Clubs must play at a level they can afford, and live within their means.”
Dave Boddy
The Football Conference
New season fixtures released (Tue 05 Jul)
The Blue Square Bet North 2011/12 season fixtures were announced this morning.
The opening fixtures for Workington AFC are:
Sat 13 August, Boston United (H)
Tue 16 August, Altrincham (A)
Conference legal fees shock (Tue 05 Jul)
It was revealed last night by Colin Peake, the Football Conference director of communications, on BBC London’s The Non-League Football Show that the costs incurred by the Football Conference in preparing for the Rushden & Diamonds appeal to the FA for their expulsion are to bet met by all the 68 teams within the three Conference leagues.
Rushden & Diamonds were expelled under company law from the Football Conference, yet the FA were to judge the validity of the application of company law. Both sides of the appeal were to represented by Queen's Council, (QC).
Rushden & Diamonds withdrew their appeal to the FA within 24 hours of appearing at Wembley Stadium.
It cost Rushden & Diamonds only £250 to lodge their appeal with the FA but it is anticipated that the Conference legal costs incurred preparing for the appeal are circa £30,000 and the 68 Conference teams are to foot the bill to the tune of £400-£500 apiece.
Rushden & Diamonds withdraw appeal (Mon 04 Jul)
FA Statement: Rushden & Diamonds
"The FA can confirm that Rushden & Diamonds have withdrawn their appeal against expulsion from the Football Conference.
The club’s hearing, scheduled for Tuesday 5 July, has now been cancelled and the Football Conference decision to expel Rushden & Diamonds remains in force."
Football Conference statement:
The Football Conference has this afternoon been informed by the Football Association that the appeal lodged by Rushden & Diamonds FC against expulsion from membership of the Football Conference has been withdrawn by those representing the club.
The hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, 5th July, has now been cancelled and the Football Conference decision to expel Rushden & Diamonds is ratified.
A full statement by Brian Lee, Chairman of the Conference Board of Directors, will be released via (the Football Conference) web-site at 11am tomorrow (5 July) concerning issues relating to this matter. At the same time the official fixture list for 2011/12 for all three divisions of the competition will be formally released to clubs and the media.
Frank Upton 1934 - 2011 (Mon 04 Jul)
Former Reds’ player-manager, Frank Upton, has passed away at the age 76.
Frank started his career with Nuneaton Borough and subsequently played in the Football League for Northampton Town, Derby County (twice), Chelsea and Notts County. He was with Worcester City prior to his appointment as Workington manager in December 1967 actually taking over the Borough Park hot seat on 1st January, 1968.
He inherited a team at the wrong end of the Fourth Division and was unable to prevent the team sliding towards the re-election zone overseeing just four wins in his brief twenty-one game tenure. Following a 7-0 defeat at Southend United, Frank decided to make a comeback as a player and named himself in the side for the next six matches – a run which yielded just one point!
Reds finished in 23rd position and Frank’s managerial career (won four, drew four, lost thirteen) at Borough Park was over with his ‘resignation’ accepted in July.
After a sorry time in Workington, Frank rebuilt his coaching reputation with numerous clubs including stints with Northampton Town, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Dundee, Wolves and Coventry City as well as spells abroad (Denmark and Kuwait) but his only other managerial appointment was at Bedworth United.
Fixture calendar (Sun 03 Jul)
The Football Conference, who expect to release the 2011-12 fixture list on Wednesday, has decided on two changes to the Fixture Calendar.
There will not now be a fixture programme on Saturday 31 December, 2011 or Monday 2 January, 2012.
There will, however, be a programme on Sunday 1 January, 2012.
Bishop's Stortford get compensation (Sun 03 Jul)
The Football Conference have given Bishop's Stortford £12,000 compensation for the increased travel costs incurred by switching to the Blue Square Bet North league.
Following Rushden & Diamonds expulsion from the Conference leagues Bishop's Stortford were transferred from the Southern division into the North.
Bishop’s Stortford's mileage increased by around 2,800 miles to just over 6,700 miles. The distance travelled though is still significantly less than both Workington and Blyth's mileage that stands at just under 8,000 miles apiece.
Loan star (Sun 03 Jul)
A familiar face may be at Borough Park this season. Jack Dorney, ex-Bury midfielder, has joined FC Halifax Town from Evostick Premier side Chorley.
Dorney will be remembered at Chorley for his electrifying start to last season with two hat-tricks and ten goals in the opening four games. He also had to fight his way back into the team after injury but still finished joint top-scorer with 20 goals.
Dorney played for the Reds during 2008-09 season, making his debut as a substitute in the FA Trophy tie v. Wrexham. He then played in five Conference games for us – one start and four via the bench.
Summary:
League 1 + 4 subs
FA Trophy 1 sub
Total 1 + 5 subs
Ricky Anane, who accompanied Jack Dorney to Borough Park from Bury, has just signed for fellow Blue Square Bet North side Droylsden.
Off to Hertfordshire we go ... or not (Fri 01 Jul)
Following taking legal advice Bishop’s Stortford have not lodged an appeal with either the Football Association or Football Conference over the decision to move the club into Blue Square Bet North.
Though there is a possibility that they may still play in the southern division if, following their appeal, Rushden and Diamonds are reinstated into the Conference. Bishop’s Stortford would then expect Southport to drop back down to the North section and they would then retain their place in Conference South, with Thurrock dropping into the Ryman Premier.
Bishop’s Stortford considered resigning from the Conference leagues but would have been penalised with a £5,000 fine under Conference rules.
Rushden’s appeal to the FA will be heard on Tuesday 5th July, the same day that the Football Conference are due to publish the fixtures for the 2011-12 campaign. It is being rumoured that the fixture release will be delayed until Wednesday 6th to accommodate the appeal decision.
Bishop’s Stortford FC released this statement: “Bishop’s Stortford Football Club have advised the Football Conference that they do not wish to ‘self relegate’ and are preparing for competing in Blue Square Bet North for the coming season, the situation regarding the appeal lodged by Rushden & Diamonds is constantly being monitored and should they be successful in their appeal and reinstated into the Blue Square Bet Premier Division then we would naturally expect to revert to a place in Blue Square Bet South.”
Football Conference manager Dennis Strudwick has confirmed that there has been no appeal from Bishop’s Stortford.
How things have changed (Thu 30 Jun)
One of my favourite Reds’ tales from years gone by is from a fan telling me how his dad found out the result of the Blackburn Rover v. Reds League Cup match in the 1964/65 season by looking in the paper for the result the following morning.
Not believing the result printed in his paper, Rovers 1 – 5 Reds, the assembled group of Reds’ fans outside the paper shop checked in each others newspapers and were amazed to find the result was the same in all the different titles bought. “It must be true”, was the conclusion.
Nowadays, finding out the result of a football match the following day appears laughable with all the modern technology available and media coverage.
Back in March 2008, the Reds’ Official website was born allowing fans access to Reds’ results, news, match reports etc. Since then the site has grown and new features have been added.
The Live Scoreboard, a popular feature, where fans local and exiled to all parts of the world can follow the action in all the Reds’ matches home and away in real time and interact through the included message service.
For those that are into Twitter, you can follow the Reds through this medium and over 300 people are following the Reds' tweets.
Just in the past week we have introduced the Reds’ smartphone App for IPhones and Android smartphones. It appears though that we were pipped at the post by Corby Town in being the first non league football team to have their own dedicated smartphone app. I believe though that there are no other teams outside of the Premiership and Championship that have their own dedicated apps.
The new App features news, fixtures and results, photos and match reports among its’ content and in less than a week there has been over 80 downloads of the app, a good start.
Here’s a few more numbers for you; in the three years the official club website has been operating it had over 315,000 visits in total with the numbers steadily increasing all the time and is currently getting around 140,000 visits in any 12 month period and up to 20,000 visits a month.
The Live Scoreboard has had a maximum of 282 people following a game. The record is held by the home game against Redditch United on 18th January 2011 and during this game 240 comments were submitted by the ‘viewers’.
If you want the results quick go online or fire up that app, or you could always just wait for tomorrows' newspaper.
Pre-season training underway (Wed 29 Jun)
New Reds’ recruits Dan Dillon and Mark Boyd, (pictured), joined up with their new team mates for the first pre-season training session on Tuesday.
Additionally, all the Reserve team players were present and they will be training with the senior team through pre-season. This will give the Reserve team players an idea of what is expected from them should they be asked to step up into the senior set-up.
Fitness tests were carried out on them all and in was encouraging to note that all first team results were of professional standard which is excellent and means they have done work on their own during their summer ‘holiday’.
Wordsworth well worth a look (Wed 29 Jun)
Ex-Carlisle United defender Dan Wordsworth has teamed up with the Reds in pre-season training.
The young central defender was a product of the Carlisle United's youth academy and had previously signed a one-year professional contract at Brunton Park.
Reds’ manager Darren Edmondson tried to sign Wordsworth after his release from Carlisle in 2009 but he opted to join Kendal Town, where he had been previously on loan.
Two other trialists were also at the first training session; Phil Story, a 19 year old striker who came through the Carlisle United youth system and has previously played for Annan Athletic and Dan Robinson, the ex-Penrith striker who scored against the Reds in last season’s pre-season friendly.
New Home kit preview (Tue 28 Jun)
The Reds will be sporting a new design Home kit this season.
The kit is once again supplied by leading kit manufacturer Umbro and is from their new Pinnacle 2011 style.
The current blue Away strip is being retained for this season.
Reds’ Android App now available (Mon 27 Jun)
The Workington AFC Android App has been published to the Android Market and is now available to download.
Goto the Supporters Section for instructions on how to get hold of this free app.
Reds' smartphone apps (Sun 26 Jun)
Keep up to date with all things Reds with our iPhone and Android Apps. The IPhone app and Android app are available now.
The Reds’ smartphone app will keep you up to date with all the Reds’ news, have all the fixtures and results and match reports.
You will be able to follow all the @WorkingtonAFC tweets in the Social section where you will also be able to get in touch.
Goto the Supporters Section for instructions on how to get hold of this free app.
Dan Dillon set to return (Sat 25 Jun)
Former Carlisle United, Team Bath, Hinckley and Alfreton midfielder Dan Dillon looks set to return to Borough Park.
Twenty-four year old Dan, who played on loan for the Reds while at Carlisle, has declined to go full time with Alfreton and has returned to his home-town of Carlisle.
Dan is very experienced in Blue Square North football and if his signing is confirmed next week he would be seen as an ideal replacement for the departed Shaun Vipond.
Dan is pictured above in action against the Reds, while playing for Hinckley United, tussling with Matt Henney with Tony Hopper watching.
Mark Boyd signs (Sat 25 Jun)
Midfielder Mark Boyd signed for Workington AFC yesterday with an initial one year deal.
Carlisle born Mark started his career with Newcastle United. On leaving Newcastle after not making a first team appearance he signed with Port Vale in 2002 and signed for Gretna via Carlisle United.
He returned to the English football with a loan move to Macclesfield Town in 2005 and after a short spell with Accrington Stanley in 2006, he joined non-league side Southport. He joined Irish club Sligo Rovers in 2007, before turning to the English non-league with Barrow the following year. He finished the 2010/11 season at Droylsden in Blue Square Bet North following an initial loan spell.
He appeared on BBC Radio Cumbria's sports show on Friday night. Catch the show here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00hckz0
Lancashire League restructure (Wed 22 Jun)
A lack of teams in the East division of the Lancashire League led to a re-shuffle at the AGM held at the Lancashire FA’s County Ground, Leyland on Tuesday.
League officials had proposed a seven team eastern section with thirteen, including Reds, scheduled to start the campaign in the west. But their plans were thrown into disarray when Harrogate Town withdrew less than twenty four hours before the meeting leaving just six clubs in the east division.
A debate on the constitution followed with different options suggested but the situation was resolved when Stalybridge Celtic and newcomers, New Mills, ‘volunteered’ to switch to the East Division leaving eight teams in the east and eleven in the west. Reds, therefore, will start their ninth consecutive season of membership facing the same opponents as last term minus Celtic but gaining Kendal Town who have re-joined the league.
East Division – Eccleshill United, Farsley AFC, Harrogate Railway, New Mills, Ossett Albion, Stalybridge Celtic, Tadcaster Albion, Thackley
West Division – AFC Fylde, Bamber Bridge, Colne, Curzon Ashton, Fleetwood Town, Formby, Kendal Town, Lancaster City, Mossley, Witton Albion and Workington.
The season will kick off week commencing Monday 15th August.
Last season’s winners were then presented with their trophies with Bamber Bridge (West) and Bradford Park Avenue (East) the respective champions and Ossett Albion the League Cup winners.
Pre-season update (Mon 20 Jun)
Reds are still awaiting details of the Whitehaven tournament but have confirmed six other pre-season games.
The match at Barrow has been brought forward and will now be played on Friday 29 July and not Saturday 30 as previously advertised.
For the second consecutive year, they will play at Lancaster City, (pictured above), the Saturday before the season proper gets underway.
The current schedule reads:
Sat 16 – Sat 23 July | Whitehaven tournament | Away |
Thursday 21 July | Gateshead (7.00pm) | Home |
Wednesday 27 July | Carlisle United (7.30pm) | Home |
Friday 29 July | Barrow (7.45pm) | Away |
Tuesday 2 August | West Auckland Town (7.30pm) | Away |
Saturday 6 August | Lancaster City (3.00pm) | Away |
Monday 8 August | Keswick (7.00pm) | Away |
Vipond joins Spartans (Sun 19 Jun)
Shaun Vipond has left the Reds to join rival Blue Square North outfit Blyth Spartans.
The Hexham based midfielder, 22, made his debut as a substitute in the home game v. Stafford Rangers on 16 August 2008.
He made 123 appearances for Reds with further 10 appearances on the bench. That included 100 starts in Conference North.
Has netted nine goals in the league including that memorable effort at Hyde during the 08-09 season. In addition, he has netted one goal in the Trophy – that never to be forgotten winner at AFC Wimbledon.
His final goal was in the 3-1 over Hinckley United on the final day of last season.
Shaun skippered the side on seven occasions.
County Honours for Reserves' Duo (Sat 18 Jun)
Regular reserve team players Jake and Sam Smith, who have been playing for Reds in the Lancashire League since they were sixteen, have been honoured by the Cumberland FA.
Both were presented with a county cap at the annual dinner at the Greenhill Hotel after representing the Cumberland County Youth team over the past two seasons. Caps are only awarded when a player completes ten appearances and Sam has now skippered the team no fewer than eleven times. Jake has made one appearance fewer than his twin brother, due to suspension, but finished top scorer for the County last term with five goals.
Sam (centre left) and Jake are pictured with their proud parents after the presentation of their caps.
George Crichton (Sat 18 Jun)
George Crichton, who played for Reds during the early fifties, has passed away. He was 85.
A regular for the first team in our final season (50/51) in the North Eastern League, George made just four Football League appearances during the 51/52 campaign. A left full back and later a centre half, he remained with the club for four years and was a regular for the reserves during that period.
The funeral service took place on Friday.
Our condolences go to the family.
Legends (Fri 17 Jun)
There wasn’t a spare seat in the house as the Manchester United Legends entertained an appreciative audience at the Hunday Manor hotel.
All the players who had graced Borough Park were joined by their non-playing colleagues – Jimmy Greenhoff, David Sadler, Alex Stepney and Paddy Crerand with the evening hosted by BBC Match of the Day commentator, Steve Bower.
The majority of the Reds squad were in attendance too with all enjoying the tales told by the United players recalling their time at Old Trafford.
There was footage of most of the players in action to accompany the interesting conversation.
Several items of Manchester United memorabilia were auctioned and a raffle also helped boost the fund raising initiative.
A superb comedian and a meal completed the evening and a good time was had by all.
Full credit to Joe Murray and the Workington Rotary Club for organising the event and it is hoped their efforts to raise funds for local charities will be handsomely rewarded.
Credit too, to the Legends who posed for photographs and signed autographs all evening.
Old Boys Reunion (Tue 14 Jun)
The emphasis was very much on Manchester United for the Workington Rotary Club charity game on Sunday and we will be eternally grateful to Joe Murray for bringing a team to Workington which included six full internationals.
From a Workington perspective, it was great to see a Reds squad which bridged the generation gap with players from the seventies, eighties, nineties and some younger bodies from the past decade all turning up. There was even an apology from Martin Henderson who missed out due to communication problems.
Our own John Walsh was given the task to pull the squad together and, whilst the majority of the twenty man squad played in the Liverpool match two years ago, the likes of Graham Goulding, Matt Henney, Nigel Park, Andy Walker, Tony Stones, Tony Hopper and Bob Rice provided the ‘new blood’ on this occasion. Walshie had done an excellent job contacting all the lads but sadly missed the afternoon due to his Rugby League commitments across the road.
Some of the lads looked in remarkable condition others slightly overweight and grey haired but the common denominator was a squad of great lads, great players and great characters all of whom have given Reds outstanding service over the years.
Manager of the day, Malcolm Dawes, thoroughly enjoyed the reunion and those sentiments were echoed by the players who, with the exception of John Reach, are all county based.
Well done Joe Murray, well done Walshie and a big thank you to the lads for returning to the fold.
Legends match report (Tue 14 Jun)
WORKINGTON REDS' SELECT 2 MANCHESTER UNITED LEGENDS 1
The damp, miserable weather probably accounted for a smaller gate than anticipated but those who stayed away missed a thoroughly enjoyable eighty minutes of football.
Reds had the benefit of an abundance of substitutes which was in contrast to United’s wafer thin squad boosted by a couple of local ringers. Those circumstances set the tone for the game with United impressive before they ran out of steam and Reds looking the stronger throughout the second half.
Both sides had their chances in an evenly matched first half with Sammy McIlroy, Andy Ritchie and Peter Davenport having shots on the Reds goal either blocked or saved while Frank Stapleton’s close range effort hit the foot of the post.
Reds response saw Andy Walker forcing Fraser Digby to tip the ball over the bar with the United ‘keeper then saving spectacularly to thwart Tony Hopper. Billy Gilmour had two opportunities to score against his boyhood heroes but squandered the first then headed against the post with his second.
The red shirted Legends were handed a twenty ninth minute opportunity to open the scoring after being awarded a penalty when Bob Rice pushed Frank Stapleton. Deiniol Graham took the spot kick but was thwarted by Ian Milburn’s acrobatic save.
Graham atoned for his miss a minute later when he met Sammy McIlroy’s pin-point cross from the right to head home at the near post.
Home fans were celebrating soon after the restart when Marc Green equalised from close range after some good build-up play and Reds, the real Reds that is, began to dominate. Tony Stones came so close to netting the winner while Kevin Rowntree and Green were denied by decent saves by Digby.
Ritchie saw a rare United second half effort saved by Milburn.
It looked as though an honourable draw would be the outcome until Reds grabbed a last minute winner. Matt Henney did well to send over a perfect cross from the right and a Graham Goulding cameo moment produced a spectacular winner. His first touch was sublime but his finish was even better as the ball arrowed past the helpless Digby to nestle in the far corner of the net.
There was still time for Ritchie to equalise but his well hit shot produced a fine save from Milburn who, once again, displayed that hitherto hidden attribute – agility.
The teams left the field to generous applause after an entertaining, light-hearted, sporting encounter.
Workington Reds’ Select: Ian Milburn, Alan Gray, Nigel Park, Tony Hopper, Darren Edmondson, Keith Glover, John Reach, Andy Walker, Graham Goulding, Kevin Rowntree. Substitutes – Stuart Williamson, Billy Gilmour, Graham Anthony, Gary Messenger, Tony Stones, Jimmy Irving, Mathew Henney, Marc Green and Bob Rice.
Manchester United Legends: Fraser Digby, Russell Beardsmore, Arthur Albiston, Andy Ritchie, Clayton Blackmore, Mike Duxbury, Sammy McIlroy, Alan McLoughlin, Deiniol Graham, Frank Stapleton, Peter Davenport. Substitute – Paul Heron.
Referee: Mr C Backhouse
Football Conference AGM 2011 (Mon 13 Jun)
Celtic Manor
Following the controversial AGM on Saturday morning/afternoon, over seventy clubs were represented at the Congress Dinner in the evening in one of Celtic Manor’s opulent banquet suites.
Reds were represented at the dinner and were seated with newcomers Tonbridge Angels.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was re-known footballer commentator Steve Bower who was then on duty at Workington on Sunday hosting the Manchester United Legends’ dinner.
The various player of the year presentations were made with Alfreton Town’s Liam Hearn receiving the Blue Square Bet North award while Matthew Tubbs (Crawley Town) and Adam Birchall (Dover Athletic) were the Premier and South recipients respectively. All three players also picked up the top goal scorer gong for their division.
The Blue Square Bet North ‘Team of the Year’ was dominated by Alfreton Town and AFC Telford United players with the hypothetical line-up as follows:
RYAN YOUNG (AFC Telford United) – JOSH LAW (Alfreton Town), SHANE KILLOCK (AFC Telford United), ADEN FLINT (Alfreton Town), SEAN NEWTON (AFC Telford United) – GREG MILLS (AFC Telford United), LEE STEVENSON (Eastwood Town), CONNOR FRANKLIN (Alfreton Town) – LIAM HEARN (Alfreton Town), PAUL BRAYSON (Blyth Spartans), JAMES WALSHAW (Guiseley).
Alfreton Town boss, Nicky Law, was nominated Blue Square Bet North Manager of the Year.
Programme of the Year in our section went to AFC Telford United while the Fair Play Award was won by Blyth Spartans with Reds finishing third.
Conference AGM (Sat 11 Jun)
The Football Conference held its' AGM today at Celtic Manor.
It was announced that Rushden and Diamonds had been expelled from the Conference. Consequently, Southport were reprieved and remain in the Blue Square Premier, Bishop's Stortford have been switched into the Blue Square North and Thurrock were reprieved in the Blue Square South.
The Football Conference issued the following statement.
At today`s Annual General Meeting of the Football Conference Limited, the member clubs unanimously approved the Constitution of the Competition.
This followed the unanimous decision of the Board to expel Rushden & Diamonds FC from the Football Conference under Article 5.2 of its Articles of Association.
The club had admitted various breaches of the Rules of the Football Conference, including not paying numerous football creditors, failing to respond to correspondence and failing to comply with instructions from the Board regarding its debts and its plans for the future.
Based on information provided by the club, it is clear that it has significant financial problems. Among other things, it owes several hundred thousand pounds to creditors, including substantial sums to football creditors and HM Revenue & Customs and in a few days time, faces the hearing of a winding-up petition supported by HMRC.
The Board explored matters fully with the club and its representatives in an attempt to resolve issues satisfactorily for the Football Conference and the club and to ensure payment of creditors.
The club was given until the last possible moment to make proper arrangements to pay the most pressing of creditors, namely those supporting the winding-up petition and football creditors (understood to be approximately £350,000), but it has not done so.
The Board has no confidence in the club`s ability to pay its creditors or as to its ongoing viability or its ability to meet its obligations in the forthcoming season, and in order to preserve the integrity of the Competition, it was with regret that the Board considered it had no alternative but to expel Rushden & Diamonds FC.
The consequences of this decision for the Constitution are that Southport retain its membership of the Premier Division; Thurrock retains its membership of Conference South and Bishop`s Stortford is transferred from Conference South to Conference North on a geographical basis.
While Bishop`s Stortford`s transfer is far from ideal, it is simply the result of the relevant regulation governing such placement.
Rushden and Diamonds announced that they would appeal the decision to expel them from the Football Conference and additionally Bishop's Stortford announced that they would appeal to the Football Association on the decision to place them in the BSB North.
The round trip from Borough Park to Bishop's Stortfort is approximately 610 miles; Bishop's Stortford is 5 miles from London Stansted Airport.
Lakes College academy (Fri 10 Jun)
Workington Reds have formalised their links with Lakes College West Cumbria.
Young football hopefuls can now study fulltime at the Lakes College and play for the Reds’ Reserves and hopefully progress into the First Team.
Students can study for an Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Leisure, a full time 2 years course over 36 weeks per year.
The course is suitable for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the sporting industry or wanting to enter the BTEC National Diploma in Sport.
Course fact sheet
Lakes College sports tutor and Reds' manager Darren Edmondson could be on the lookout for the next Grant Holt or Glen Murray who both started their football careers at Workington Reds progressing through the Reds’ Reserves.
This season has seen the emergence of Adam Main as a regular in the senior side. He was the recipient of Young Player of the Year award, following on from last season’s Under 18’s Player of the Year accolade.
Season Tickets 2011/12 (Wed 08 Jun)
The season ticket prices for the forthcoming 2011/12 season have been held at last seasons prices.
But now you can spread the cost of your season ticket over five months without paying any extra by paying by Standing Order.
For example, pay for your Adult season ticket with 5 monthly payment of £43. Details and application form can be found here, Season Tickets.
Pre season update (Tue 07 Jun)
Reds have still to finalise their pre-season plans as they prepare for a seventh season in Conference North but have agreed to travel to Holker Street, Barrow at the end of July for what should be the toughest test of the build-up.
The club will take part in a four team tournament at Whitehaven with the hosts, Netherhall, Windscale and ourselves taking part but dates and fixtures for that have still to be confirmed. The tournament has been launched as a memorial to former Whitehaven chairman, Shaun Hocking, who sadly passed away towards the end of last season.
Whitehaven's Focus Scaffolding Sports Complex
After agreeing to play our Conference Premier neighbours, Barrow, the game at West Auckland Town has been put back a few days.
Barrow's Holker Street
Confirmed games:
Thursday 21 July Gateshead (7pm) home
Wednesday 27 July Carlisle United (7.30pm) home
Saturday 30 July Barrow (3pm) away
Tuesday 2 August West Auckland Town (7.30pm) away
A game is being planned for 6 August and we have also been invited to play at Keswick for a game to mark the opening of their new ground.
Out of season treat (Sun 05 Jun)
If Reds’ supporters are missing their afternoons at Borough Park there is an out of season game at the ground on Sunday when a Workington Reds’ Select will entertain a Manchester United Legends team.
Following the success of the Liverpool Legends game two years ago, the Rotary Club of Workington have now organised an interesting sequel with Manchester United’s famous names of the past taking the field against some of Reds’ old boys.
Some of the players – Dennis Irwin, Peter Barnes, David May and Lee Martin - on the original United squad list have dropped out but there is still plenty of household names expected to play including Mike Duxbury, Clayton Blackmore, Russell Beardsmore, Sammy McIlroy, Andy Ritchie, Peter Davenport, Frank Stapleton and player manager Arthur Albiston.
Malcolm Dawes, Reds’ Player of the Year in 1976, will be in charge of the homeside which will include current boss Darren Edmondson. Apart from a recognised goalkeeper (attempts were made to recruit John Burridge and Tony Caig), the squad is blessed with youth and old age in equal amounts and it will be great to help many of our heroes onto the pitch.
Ian Milburn will play in goal with the likes of Edmo, Alan Gray, Martin Kirby, Marc Green, Stuart Williamson, Bob Rice, Nigel Park, Tony Stones, Jimmy Irving and Keith Glover hoping for a defensive role and the chance to play against some of the more familiar names in the United squad.
Recent heroes Graham Anthony (the scorer of the winning goal two years ago), Tony Hopper and Mathew Henney will provide the youth in midfield supplementing the ageless Billy Gilmour and John Reach who will again skipper the side.
Goal scoring duties will be shared by Martin Henderson, Gary Messenger, Kevin Rowntree, Darren Wilson, Graham Goulding and Andy Walker.
The Reds’ squad, with over 3000 club appearances to their credit, will be familiar to the ‘big match’ atmosphere with most turning out against Liverpool in front of a 2,000 crowd in 2009.
United will be playing in their traditional red while our Reds will revert to a blue strip for the match which kicks off at 3pm.
Admission is £10 with local charities in line to benefit. Match programmes will be £3.
Season review (Fri 03 Jun)
The 2010-11 season will be considered one of disappointment by Workington supporters but, when considering all the obstacles in Darren Edmondson’s path, an eleventh place finish in a tough league is more than commendable in my opinion.
The fact that we did not enjoy the thrills and spills of lengthy cup runs to supplement the league campaign probably formed the general opinion of it being a poor season. We have enjoyed some great Cup and Trophy campaigns under the present management so, perhaps, it was doubly disappointing to be out of both much earlier than previous years.
League football is the yardstick, though, and after a best ever start (during which we established a record eighteen match unbeaten league sequence) we struggled to make an impact and play off contention was always beyond us. So too, thankfully, was the threat of relegation so we had to settle for mid-table mediocrity!
Scoring the first goal appeared to be the best tactic and we usually obtained favourable results having got our noses in front. Having said that, we did come from behind on four occasions to win the game.
Discipline looked as though it could be a problem when we picked up six yellow cards and a red in the opening two games but we settled down and eventually finished in the top four of the fair-play league. For the record, David Hewson picked up two red cards (the first of his career) while the forty seven yellow cards were shared by sixteen players.
Twenty seven different players represented the first team over the season and six of those – Ryan Bowman, Michael Smith, Tom Smyth, Billy Greulich, Nick Rogan and Steven Swinglehurst – were here on loan. Aaran Taylor played in all forty six league and cup games while Andy Langford, Kyle May and Gareth Arnison missed very few games between them.
For the third consecutive season, Gareth emerged as top scorer with seventeen goals – fifteen in the league. The problem was scoring regularly and, after Arni, the next two leading marksmen were Jonny Wright and Shaun Vipond who netted six and five respectively. Lee Andrews finally scored his first ever goal for the club as did Conor Tinnion, Jonny Blake, Andy Murray-Jones and loanees Billy Greulich and Nick Rogan.
There was the goal drought between 26 October and 11 December when we went eight games without scoring – a club record we didn’t want.
Stalybridge Celtic were the first visiting team to play under the new floodlights and marked the occasion by thumping us 5-0. Boston United also netted five at Borough Park to maintain their 100% league record against us.
During the course of the season, we were awarded four penalties – three of them against Stafford Rangers – with Arni converting all four. In contrast, eight were awarded against us with Aaran Taylor managing to save three of those.
The weather again disrupted the season with nine postponements and three more games called off because of cup ties.
The major milestone was passed by Kyle May who made his 300th appearance for the club while Jonny Wright netted his 50th goal.
We managed to record four league doubles (v. Vauxhall Motors, Worcester City, Stafford Rangers and Hinckley United) while five clubs (Boston United, Nuneaton Town, Stalybridge Celtic, Corby Town and AFC Telford United) beat us home and away.
Attendances at Borough Park were good in the early part of the season (when we winning) with a high of 707 v. Vauxhall Motors. In contrast, four home games were watched by sub 300 attendances with the lowest just 246. An aggregate of 7987 fans attended the twenty home games producing an average of 399.
The games at Boston United (1556) and AFC Telford United (1459) were well supported and helped contribute to an average away crowd of 496.
Dave Rodgie’s second string finished a commendable 6th in the Lancashire League thanks to four wins in the final five matches. Highlights were the 3-2 home success over champions Bamber Bridge and a 2-0 win over second placed Fleetwood Town.
Martyn Coleman finished the campaign with Northern League side Dunston UTS but emerged as the Reserves’ top scorer with 13 goals.
Northside bridge (Tue 24 May)
Workington AFC met yesterday with representatives of Cumbria County Council including Coun. Tony Markley, (Transport Portfolio), and agreed a settlement with regards to leasing of land, accommodation and disruption etc. for the building of the new Northside Bridge.
The settlement has to remain confidential as there still is one party to reach an agreement.
League line-up confirmed (Sat 21 May)
Histon have been placed in the Blue Square Bet North following relegation from the Premier at the end of the season.
The FA`s National League Systems Committee met at Wembley today and allocated places for Step 2 – 4 for 2011/12.
Histon join promoted FC Halifax Town and Colwyn Bay, while relegated Altrincham and Southport are also in the north.
Relegated Stafford Rangers join promoted Chester FC, Chorley and Rushall Olympic in the Evo-Stik Premier while relegated Redditch United join the Zamaretto Premier league.
Langy leaves (Thu 19 May)
Defender Andy Langford has been released by the club. Langford, an almost ever present in the side after his move to Borough Park from Morecambe, is the first of manager Darren Edmondson's changes to the playing personnel over the summer.
Andy had played almost 120 games over the last three seasons, competing in all 50 league and cup matches in the 2009-10 season.
Picture: Andy Langford in action v. Vauxhall Motors.
The club and supporters wish Andy all the best for his future footballing career and offer him a big thank you for his commitment and dedication shown over the past three seasons.
League line-up (Mon 16 May)
The Blue Square Bet North league line-up for the 2011/12 season looks set to include three of the relegated Blue Square Premier sides with Southport, Altrincham and Histon dropping into the Conference North league.
The other new sides include FC Halifax Town and Colwyn Bay, both promoted from the Evostick Premier league.
The departing teams include Alfreton and AFC Telford United, promoted to the Blue Square Bet premier and relegated Stafford Rangers and Redditch United.