News
Farsley Celtic kicked from the Conference (Fri 03 Jul)
The Football Conference have removed Farsley Celtic from Blue Square North after the club entered administration.
The Conference fixtures released this morning though included Farsley Celtic and with all the other leagues line-ups set for the new season it would appear that Farsley Celtic would not have a league to play in.
The club are to appeal to the Football Association (FA) and have set up a fighting fund to fund the cost of the appeal.
Farsley have fell foul of the notorous "Appendix E" of the Football Conference constitution that states:
"In the event of the club of a club suffering an Insolvency Event after the Annual General Meeting of the Company and prior to the start of the new season then the club will cease to be eligible for membership of the Competition for the new season and the club will be relegated from the Competition to a level within the National League system as may be decided upon by the Football Asscociation".
The same was applied to Northwich Victoria at the end of last season, but was overturned on appeal to the FA with Northwich allowed into the Blue Square North albeit with a 10 point deduction.
New season fixtures released (Fri 03 Jul)
The new season fixtures were released at 10am this morning with the Reds opening the season with a home tie against Hinckley United on Saturday 8th August followed by trip to Gainsborough Trinity the following Tuesday.
The Boxing Day/New Years Day 'derby' fixture this year is against Blyth Spartans, while we finish the season on Saturday 24th April with a home tie against Stafford Rangers.
For the full fixture list see the Fixtures/Results page, here.
Corporate Sponsorship Draw winners (Thu 2 Jul)
Bulldog Drainage co-owners Graham Partridge and Richard Bond.
The Workington AFC Corporate Sponsorship draw took place on Thursday morning at Borough Park with the first prize winners being Bulldog Drainage.
Bulldog Drainage, a Salterbeck based business, was only set up earlier this year by Graham Partridge and Richard Bond.
Their package consists of their name appearing on all of the Club's letterheads, compliments slips, season tickets and sponsor tickets.
They will also recieve a full page colour advertisement in the match-day programme and their name/logo on the front cover.
In addition they will receive a Vice-Presidents Season Ticket and shall be invited to a home game of their choice where they can entertain guests with free drinks and a half-time buffet.
And finally, they shall also have their name displayed on the Welcome Board at the entrance to Borough Park and will have a perimeter advertising board within the stadium.
The three runners up, winning various packages were:
The Technology Store
getnoticedonline.co.uk
Metropolitan Racing
John Fuller (Times & Star) and Reds' manager Darren Edmondson making the draw.
FA Cup and Trophy dates (Wed 1 Jul)
The early rounds of the 2009-10 FA Cup and FA Trophy have been announced.
The FA Cup this year has 762 accepted entries with the Reds entering at the Second Round Qualifying stage on Saturday 26th September.
The FA Trophy this year has 265 accepted entries with the Reds entering at the Third Round Qualifying stage on Saturday 21st November.
FA Youth Cup (Wed 1 Jul)
The early rounds of the 2009-10 FA Youth Cup have been announced.
The competition has 467 accepted entries with over 50 new entrants including Corby Town, Gloucester City and Ilkeston Town who are all newly promoted sides to the Blue Square North.
Workington Reds Youth have a bye at the Preliminary Round stage and enter at the First Round Qualifying round with a home tie against Bootle.
The tie is to be played in week commencing Monday 21st September.
Lancashire League AGM (Wed 1 Jul)
Herbert Briggs and Steve Durham represented the club at the Lancit Haulage Lancashire League AGM at Leyland on Tuesday.
It was confirmed that Salford City, Clitheroe, Hyde United and Darwen have all left the League with AFC Fylde, Southport, Curzon Ashton, Silsden and Eccleshill United being elected for the organisation’s 71st season.
Bradford Park Avenue (East Division) and Fleetwood Town (West Division) were presented with their championship trophies – an experience Reds enjoyed at the previous AGM.
The season is due to commence w/c 10th August with Reds opting to play their home games this term on a Thursday evening.
FA County Youth Cup (Tue 30 Jun)
The early rounds of the FA County Youth Cup fixtures have been released with the Cumberland FA drawn first out of the hat in a home tie against North Riding FA on Sunday 18th October.
The County Youth Cup, originally known as the County Minor (Youths') Championship, was launched in 1944-45 by The Football Association to provide representative football for the best young players who had not signed up with professional clubs.
Nowadays, any player under written contract, including Trainee/Scholarship players, or those registered at Academies or Centres of Excellence, is not eligible to compete in the competition.
Players under the age of 18, be they at school or playing in leagues affiliated to County Football Associations, are eligible.
Last season's County Youth side had a strong contingent of Reds Youth players and is managed by the Reds Reserves' manager Steve Lee.
Popularside forum (Tue 30 Jun)
The Populaside fans forum has died for the time being, in the meantime a 'temporary' forum has been set up to keep you all happy and chatty.
Additional friendly arranged (Tue 30 Jun)
An additional friendly has been arranged for Saturday 1st August against Tow Law Town.
"The Lawyers" compete in Division One of the The Skills Training Northern League and finished finished in a mid table 11th position last season.
Former Reds player Mark Eccles currently plays for the 'Lawyers'.
Borough Park date set for Barrow friendly (Fri 26 Jun)
A date has finally been confirmed for the visit to Borough Park of Barrow AFC.
The fixture, competing for the Chas Kendal Trophy, will be played on Thursday 16th July.
The trophy is currently held by Barrow following their 3 - 2 win at Holker Street last season.
Jack Swindells (Thu 25 Jun)
He died suddenly in his Cornwall home on Tuesday (23/6).
Manchester born Jack started his career with Manchester City but never made the first team during his time at Maine Road.
He moved to Blackburn Rovers who became the first of six clubs whom he played, and scored, for in the Football League.
After his time with Rovers, he spent time with Accrington Stanley, Barnsley, Workington, Torquay United and Newport County.
Jack signed for Reds in February, 1962 and scored his first goal in his second match – a 3-1 win at Chester.
On the final day of the 61-62 season, he netted a hat-trick in a 5-3 victory over Bradford City. The following season, 62-63, he played in all fifty league and cup matches for Reds scoring 14 goals (12 in the league, 2 in the FA Cup) before moving to Torquay United for the start of the 63-64 campaign.
Reds summary:
Season Appearances Goals
61-62 16 7
62-63 50 14
After ending his Football League career with Newport County, Jack obtained legendary status at Altrincham scoring over 250 goals for them in less than 350 appearances. In his first full season at Alty, he scored an incredible 82 goals in 63 games – including six hat-tricks!
He graced Moss Lane for seven seasons scoring no fewer than 265 goals before ending his playing days in ‘senior’ football with Radcliffe Borough.
Setanta cease broadcasting (Wed 24 Jun)
At 6 pm yesterday all UK Setanta channels ceased broadcasting following the parent company's entry into administration. While the news had been widely expected it still comes as a major blow to Conference football.
Unless a replacement TV company picks up the Setanta contract all Conference Blue Square Premier clubs will be financially effected by around £60,000 this season, while Blue Square North and Blue Square South sides will lose out by around £10,000.
ESPN, who were owned by Setanta at one time but were sold to Disney to help fund their Premier and FA contracts, are unlikely to pick up the Conference TV coverage and BSkyB will have no capacity to broadcast.
The Conference Board released the following statement:
The Board and staff of the Football Conference are deeply saddened by the news that Setanta have gone into administration. Although the financial implications of this action will have an enormous impact on the competition, our clubs, partners and supporters, we must not forget the contribution made by them to us over the last two years. Setanta pioneered many new initiatives during their association, some of which are now copied by other broadcasters.
The Conference Board did everything in its power to support Setanta in its time of financial crisis and we wish the very best to all those we have met along the way, who have become friends. We sincerely hope those dedicated staff, who have become part of the Football Conference family over the last two seasons, will continue to operate and work at the highest level in sports broadcasting and that their future remains positive.
To all our member clubs may we thank you for supporting Setanta and be assured that your Board together with all staff will be working hard to find another broadcast partner to further build on the ground work laid down by them in supporting our competition, which is at the very heart of English football.
Setanta (Tue 23 Jun)
The Setanta Shield first round draw was due to take place on Monday, (22 June).
However, following Friday’s news regarding the future of Setanta, the draw has been suspended until further notice.
Meanwhile, the draws for the early rounds of the FA competitions will be made on Wednesday 1st July when Reds will learn who they will play in the FA Youth Cup.
Reserves first friendlies confirmed (Mon 22 Jun)
The first of the Reserves friendlies have been confirmed by Reserves manager Steve Lee with games against Frizington White Star on Thursday 16th July, 7:00pm kick off at Borough Park and a game against Windscales on Thursday 30th July, 7:00pm kick off at the Falcon Club, Egremont.
Conference AGM and Presentation (Sat 20 Jun)
The 30th AGM and Presentation Evening of the Football Conference took place at the Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon with Reds represented by director Colin Doorbar and secretary Steve Durham.
It was confirmed Blue Square were entering their final twelve months of a three year sponsorship whilst troubled Setanta entered their third of a five year deal hoping for better news on their future soon.
The formation of the three leagues was ratified with Reds set to play Northwich Victoria, Eastwood Town, Ilkeston Town, Corby Town and Gloucester City – the latter three for the first time – in Blue Square North this term.
It was an all Cumbrian affair at the presentation/dinner dance with Reds seated with a nine-strong Barrow contingent including former Workington player Neil McDonald.
Tamworth’s Gary Mills was named BSN Manager-of-the-Year while Gateshead’s Lee Novak won the Player-of-the-Year and Top Scorer award. Southport won the Fair Play award with Reds collecting a cheque for £800 for a third place finish in the disciplinary stakes.
The hypothetical Blue Square North ‘Team of the Year’ was:
YOUNG (AFC Telford United)
NEWTON (Droylsden)
VAUGHAN (AFC Telford United)
WHITEHEAD (AFC Telford United)
SMITH (Tamworth)
WRIGHT (Tamworth)
HALL (Hinckley United)
MILLIGAN (Fleetwood Town)
NOVAK (Gateshead)
SHELDON (Tamworth)
CLAYTON (Alfreton Town)
Gateshead’s match day programme was voted the best in BSN.
The fixtures for the 2009-10 season will be released in the next fortnight with Reds hoping for an away game on the opening day (8/8) to avoid a clash with Carlisle United’s League 1 opener against Brentford. It is possible that Blyth Spartans will be Reds’ opponents for the Christmas/New Year fixtures.
The squad will begin preparations for their fifth campaign in Blue Square North when they return for pre-season on Thursday.
Reserves early start (Fri 19 Jun)
The Reds Reserves commenced pre-season training last Saturday at Moorclose and were again training on Monday evening where manager Steve Lee supervised training on his return from holiday in Cuba.
There was a healthy attendance at the first two sessions with a few new faces present including a couple of good young prospects in twins Sam and Jake Smith.
Jake Smith Sam Smith
The first of the friendlies have been arranged with the Reserves playing Frizington White Star on 16th July at Borough Park, 7:00pm kick off, with additionally an away match against Windscale on either Thursday 31st July or Friday 1st August.
Vics win appeal (Mon 08 Jun)
Northwich Victoria tonight won their appeal against the Football Conference's decision to bar them from the Conference leagues following their entry into administration after the league deadline.
A FA panel in London overturned the Conference's verdict and decided that the Vics will play in the Conference North next season but will carry a ten point deduction for entering administration.
Vics to be ejected from Blue Square North (Sun 07 Jun)
Northwich Victoria are set to be barred from the Blue Square North following their relegation from the Blue Square Premier league.
Football Conference officials claimed that the Vics entered administration too late, but the Cheshire side have appealed to the FA that will be heard on Monday afternoon.
Vics owner, Jim Rushe says that he gave notice of the club’s intention to enter administration on 6th May, before the league deadline of the second Saturday in May.
If the Vics expulsion is upheld, Burscough will be most likely reprieved from relegation.
Reserve's league line-up confirmed (Sat 06 Jun)
The line-up of the Lancashire League West Division for the forthcoming season has been confirmed.
The Reserves will compete in a 14 team division consisting of the following teams:
AFC Fylde, Bamber Bridge, Barrow, Burscough, Chorley, Curzon Ashton, Fleetwood town, Formby, Lancaster City, Leigh Genesis, Southport, Stalybridge Celtic, Woodley Sports & Workington.
Hindmarsh agrees to sign (Sat 06 June)
Stephen Hindmarsh, previously with Carlisle United and Shrewsbury Town, has agreed to sign up for next season Reds’ squad.
Nineteen year old Hindmarsh, who grew up in Keswick, was one of seven players released by Shrewsbury Town following their defeat in the League Two play-off final by former Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson.
Hindmarsh is currently on holiday but will sign up for the club upon his return.
Midfielder Shaun Vipond has been invited to attend pre-season training following his ill fated spell in Sweden. Vipond suffered a broken collar bone making his debut for Swedish side Östersund against Norwegian side Byåsen.
King's Lynn lose their appeal (Sat 30 May)
King's Lynn have lost their FA demotion appeal in Derby.
A three-member Derbyshire FA panel rejected the club's bid to overturn the club's Conference explusion for failing to initiate a £250,000 upgrade to their council-owned Walks stadium before a March 31st deadline.
The FA panel deliberated for 55 minutes before upholding the Conference's initial ruling.
King's Lynn will play in the Unibond Premier Division for the 2009/10 season.
Following the appeal the FA National League Systems Committee finally released details of this coming season's non league pyramid for steps one to four.
Hyde United have been reprieved following Lynn's demotion - subject to raising funds to meet an outstanding tax bill.
The confirmed line-up of the Blue Square North is now as follows:
BLUE SQUARE NORTH |
Team | From |
| AFC Telford United | CONFN |
| Alfreton Town | CONFN |
| Blyth Spartans | CONFN |
| Corby Town | SLP |
| Droylsden | CONFN |
| Eastwood Town | NPP |
| Farsley Celtic | CONFN |
| Fleetwood Town | CONFN |
| Gainsborough Trinity | CONFN |
| Gloucester City | SLP |
| Harrogate Town | CONFN |
| Hinckley United | CONFN |
| Hyde United (Rep) | CONFN |
| Ilkeston Town | NPP |
| Northwich Victoria | CONF |
| Redditch United | CONFN |
| Solihull Moors | CONFN |
| Southport | CONFN |
| Stafford Rangers | CONFN |
| Stalybridge Celtic | CONFN |
| Vauxhall Motors | CONFN |
| Workington AFC | CONFN |
Collin signs Carlisle contract (Sat 30 May)
Former Reds 'keeper Adam Collin has finally put pen to paper and signed a two year deal with Carlisle United.
United manager Greg Abbot has said about Collin, "He's done really well at Workington and he's a young player that we have wanted to bring in for a while".
Aaron Taylor, (pictured right), is lined up to be the replacement for Collin, agreeing to return to Borough Park.
Blue Square North 2009/10 fixtures (Thu 28 May)
The Blue Square North 2009/10 season fixtures are to be announced on Friday 3rd July ahead of the league starting on Saturday 8th August.
The final line-up of the league has still to be confirmed by the FA National League Systems Committee.
Gloucester City were anticipating a decision last Tuesday on which league, Blue Square North or South, they would compete in. However, the FA said on Tuesday it was still waiting on appeals from other clubs before it would confirm where Gloucester will be playing.
Pre-season fixtures update (Wed 27 May)
The first of the pre-season friendlies have now been confirmed with the season kicking off with a fixture against Gretna on Saturday 4th July.
A date still has to be confirmed for the visit to Borough Park of Barrow AFC and it is hoped that a friendly against League Two side Bury can be arranged during their visit to Cumbria in July for a training camp.
The full list to date is as follows:
Saturday 4th July, Gretna, 3:00pm kick off, Away
Saturday 11th July, Carlisle United, 3:00pm kick off, Home
Tuesday 14th July, Penrith, 7:30pm kick off, Away
Tuesday 21st July, Whitehaven Amateurs, 7:30pm kick off, Away
Saturday 25th July, Gateshead, 3:00pm kick off, Home
Pre-season fixtures confirmed (Fri 22 May)
The first of the pre-season friendlies have now been confirmed with Carlisle United starting the season off with their first team visiting Borough Park on Saturday 11th July.
A date has yet to be confirmed for the visit to Borough Park of Barrow AFC, competing for the Chas Kendal Trophy, that Barrow currently hold after their
3 - 2 win at Holker Street last season.
The agreed fixtures to date are as follows:
Saturday 11th July Carlisle United
Tuesday 14th July Penrith
Tuesday 21st July Whitehaven Amateurs
Local Ref in Cup Final appearance (Wed 20 May)
John Corkhill, extreme left, lines up before the FA Carlsberg Sunday Cup Final.
John Corkhill, from Egremont, ran the line during the FA Carling Sunday Cup Final that took place at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium. The FA Carling Sunday Cup is the pinnacle tournament for Sunday League sides.
The opportunity to officiate at the final came as surprise for John, 44, who started refereeing in 1996 before hanging up his boots when he was 36.
John started refereeing at Sunday League level but now officiates at Conference North level on a regular basis. He also runs the line regularly at Premier League and Football League reserve level.
The final, contested between Nottinghamshire side Oyster Martyrs FC and Croxteth side Scots Grey FC, resulted in an extra time 4 – 3 win for Scots Grey.
Wayne Rooney and his wife Colleen came along to support members of Wayne’s family who were playing in the game.
Rooney’s younger brother, Graham, and his cousin Thomas were in the Oyster Martyrs side, which is managed by Wayne’s uncle Richie.
Northwich Victoria enter administration (Tue 19 May)
Northwich Victoria have announced that they have gone into administration following their relegation from the Blue Square Premier.
It is the second time in the space of five years that the Vics have made the decision to go into administration.
Owner Jim Rushe stated, "It's something I've had to think seriously about."
"I made the decision before the weekend to go into administration voluntarily in order to safeguard the club's future."
"It was vulnerable to action from creditors and this allows us to find a solution that is to the long-term benefit of Northwich Victoria Football Club."
Rushe has turned to insolvency experts Refresh for assistance, as the club still owes the taxman around £400,000.
Northwich Victoria will start their season in Blue Square North with a ten point deduction.
Mathew Henney (Thu 14 May)
As widely anticipated Matt Henney is returning for this third spell with Workington Reds after spending the last two seasons with Barrow.
Matt had a very successful spell with Barrow, scoring the winner against Stalybridge Celtic that secured Barrow's promotion to the Blue Square Premier league.
Previously Matt was with Gretna when they joined the Scottish league and scored Gretna's first league goal against Greenock Morton in the 02/03 season.
Matt made his debut for Reds as a substitute in a FA Vase tie at North Ferriby United on 28th November, 1998. His league debut was v. Atherton Collieries, (North West Counties League), on 19th December, 1998.
A summary of his career so far with the Reds is as follows:
| Season | League | Cup | Total |
98-99 | 20 (10) | 7+1 (2) | 27+1 (12) |
99-00 | 33+2 (2) | 14 (1) | 47+2 (3) |
00-01 | 5+3 | 1 | 6+3 |
03-04 | 41 (10) | 11 (2) | 52 (12) |
04-05 | 39 (10) | 7 (1) | 46 (11) |
05-06 | 39 (8) | 7 | 46 (8) |
06-07 | 29+5 (2) | 7+1 (2) | 36+6 (4) |
Total | 206+10 (42) | 54+2 (8) | 260+12 (50) |
Goals indicated in brackets.
He picked up four ‘player of the year’ trophies during his second spell with Reds:
Supporters’ Player of the Year: 03-04, 04-05
Players’ Player of the Year: 03-04
National Supporters’ Player of the Year: 04-05
Review of the Season (Mon 11 May)
Compared to the 2007-08 campaign, Workington Reds’ showed improvement in several areas.
Their league position of 12th was slightly better than the previous season of 14th and, in addition, they scored more league goals, conceded less, lost fewer matches and improved the on field discipline. Yet despite those marginal improvements, attendances were down with the lowest league gate for five years (225) contributing to a league average of 355 compared to 391 the season before.
The best crowd of the season was the 1,029 in attendance for the FA Trophy tie v. Wrexham.
Attendances for Reds’ away games were much healthier with a 10,688 aggregate producing an average of 509 with the seasonal best the 1,753 gate at AFC Telford United.
In addition to a mid table finish in Blue Square North, completing a fourth campaign at that level, the Reds lifted the Cumberland Cup which included victories over two of the better teams, Carlisle United and Penrith, in the competition.
No fewer than 43 players represented the team this season but twelve of those were reserve team players who were given a chance in the Cumberland Cup matches. Five players came to the club on loan with Carlisle United trio Shaun Vipond, Darren Campion and Andy Cook joined by Bury duo Jack Dorney and Ricky Anane.
Players’ Player of the Year, Adam Collin, was the only ever present turning out in all 53 league and cup matches and, prior to that, playing in all six pre-season friendlies too!
Gareth Arnison emerged as the club’s top scorer with 24 goals (15 in the league) while Jonny Wright’s tally of 16 included 14 in Blue Square North. Anthony Wright bagged 9 (7 league) and loanee Andy Cook chipped in with five.
Some brilliant goals were netted throughout the season with some of the best including:
Graham Anthony v. Farsley Celtic (away) in the Setanta Shield
Anthony Wright v. Hyde United (away) in the league
Shaun Vipond v. Hyde United (away) in the league
Anthony Wright v. Stalybridge Celtic (away) in the league
Gareth Arnison v. AFC Telford United (home) in the league
Jonny Wright v. Farsley Celtic (away) in the league
Andy Cook v. Farsley Celtic (away) in the league
Jonny Wright v. Fleetwood Town (home) in the league.
Over the course of the season, Reds were awarded five penalties with Gareth Arnison converting the three he took while Craig Johnston and Jonny Wright both had their spot-kicks saved. Eight penalties were conceded with Adam Collin saving three of those with the other five converted.
Graham Anthony, David Hewson, Tony Hopper and Adam Collin captained the side at various stages of the campaign.
Reds only recorded ‘back-to-back’ wins in the league on two occasions while the best unbeaten league sequence was four games and the longest run without a win stretched to five matches.
The FA Trophy win at Barrow earned Reds the FA’s ‘Team of the round’ award whilst there was individual recognition for Phil McLuckie who won the BSN Player of the Month accolade for January. Phil also picked up the Most Improved Player of the Year award after completing his first full season with the club.
The Sportsmanship Awards, sponsored by Sports 360, saw Reds collect the fewest number of yellow cards (33) in the entire Conference but our five reds (Kyle May, Graham Anthony, Craig Johnston, Jonny Wright and Lee Andrews) effected our final placing, and prize money, with our share of the sponsorship amounting to £857.
Lee Andrews was nominated Supporters’ Player of the Year while Kyle May added two more ‘player of the year’ titles to his bulging trophy cabinet being the recipient of the National Supporters’ Player of the Year and Clubman of the Year mementos.
Best wins of the season were the 5-0 victories over Gainsborough Trinity (home) and Farsley Celtic (away) whilst Tamworth inflicted a 4-1 reverse upon us at Borough Park – the heaviest defeat of the season. We managed a league double over Trinity (5-0 and 2-1) but saw four teams beat us home and away:
Hinckley United (1-3, 0-1), Blyth Spartans (0-1, 1-3), Redditch United (0-1, 0-2) and
Tamworth (1-4, 0-1).
In six weeks time, the lads will report back for pre-season with the start of the new Blue Square North campaign getting underway on 8th August.
Liverpool Legends match date confirmed (Sat 09 May)
The date has been confirmed for the Liverpool Legends v Workington Reds XI match. The game, to be played at Borough Park on Sunday 26th July 2009 with a 3:00pm kick off, will feature a host of former Liverpool stars playing against a Workington XI lead by Reds' manager Darren Edmondson.
Phil Neal will be leading the Liverpool Legends side and will have the likes of Jan Molby, Ray Houghton, Alan Kennedy, Jason McAteer, John Aldridge, Phil Babb, Michael Thomas, Gary Gillespie, and David Fairclough to select his team from.
The match has been organised by Joe Murray of Cumbria Police and John Head of Workington Rotary Club. Following the march, there will be a dinner at the Washington Central Hotel where the Liverpool Legends will be present. The Legends will auction off some of their memorabilia to raise money for local charities.
Blue Square North 2009/10 line-up (Fri 08 May)
The line-up for next seasons Blue Square North will consist of the following teams following Gateshead's promotion to the Blue Square Premier after their 1-0 victory over AFC Telford United in the play-off final this evening.
AFC Telford United
Alfreton Town
Blyth Spartans
Corby Town
Droylsden
Eastwood Town
Farsley Celtic
Fleetwood Town
Gainsborough Trinity
Gloucester City
Harrogate Town
Hinckley United
Hyde United
Ilkeston Town
Northwich Victoria
Redditch United
Solihull Moors
Southport
Stafford Rangers
Stalybridge Celtic
Vauxhall Motors
Workington
With King’s Lynn being relegation, (subject to appeal), for ground grading issues, Hyde United have been reprieved from relegation.
Eastwood Town and Ilkeston Town won promotion from the Unibond Premier division; with only one ‘northern’ side relegated from Blue Square Premier, Northwich Victoria, requires Corby Town and Gloucester City to be promoted from the British Gas Southern League.
Worcester City who transferred to the Blue Square South last season were guaranteed that it would be for a minimum of two years, hence will not be transferring back to Blue Square North.
Southend Road (Wed 06 May)
Quite a few former Reds players were involved in the final Northern League game at Penrith’s Southend Road ground on Tuesday.
The Blues said good-bye to their town centre ground with a crucial match against Newcastle Benfield with a late goal securing a 1-0 victory and a first Northern League title for the visitors.
They were helped on their way by Dean Nicholson who played for Reds the season before last while another talented ex. Red, Paddy Atkinson (from the mid-nineties era) is the Benfield assistant manager.
On duty for Penrith were James Holland, Alan Gray, Dean Douglas, Graham Anthony, Matty Lea, Michael Reed and David Lynn – all former Workington players as is Blues boss, Richard Prokas.
Penrith finished a creditable 7th.
Frank Kirkup (Wed 06 May)
Frank Kirkup, a Reds star from the sixties, has died at the age of 70.
He signed for the club in June 1959 following his release from Blackburn Rovers making his Reds’ debut (v. Southport) in August that year.
A member of the Workington side which played in our very first Football League Cup tie at Chelsea in October, 1960.
Frank scored 14 league goals during the 60-61 campaign including a sequence when he netted in five consecutive games. During that same season, the left-winger netted in both home and away games against Carlisle United as Reds recording a league double over the Blues.
Was transferred to Carlisle during the 62-63 season for a fee of £3,000 (plus Geoff Martin) and went on to make 83 league and cup appearances for United scoring 15 goals in the process.
Returned to Borough Park in November, 1966 but played just ten more games.
In total, Frank made 162 (148 in the league) appearances for Reds scoring 34 (31 in the league) goals.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday in his hometown of Spennymoor.
Where are they now (Mon 04 May)
It is now ten years since Reds lifted their first major championship in an existence spanning 115 years with the dramatic clinching of the North West Counties League title on the 3rd May, 1999.
A near 2,500 crowd witnessed Reds overcome gallant Mossley 2-1 to leapfrog the Seel Park outfit and go top of the table for the first time after winning their final fourteen matches.
But what has happened to those Workington Reds’ heroes who were involved in that thrilling Borough Park title decider a decade ago?
GEORGE DIXON - Drifted out of senior football soon after helping Reds to the title although still plays locally occasionally.
ALAN GRAY - Eventually played nearly 400 games for Reds but joined Penrith at the start of the current season and played against us in the recent Cumberland Cup Final.
MARC GREEN - Enjoyed a decent career with Reds before drifting into local football.
MARTIN KIRKBY - Skipper of the championship winning side who played for a while in the north east before returning to Penrith. More recently, has been turning out for Keswick and captained them to a first ever Westmorland County Cup success last month.
LEE TAYLOR - Played a prominent part in helping Reds establish the best defensive record in the league that season. Later played locally.
STUART WILLIAMSON - Scored the all important first goal against Mossley and served Reds well during his time at Borough Park. An occasional visitor to
home games and still lives, and plays, locally.
MARK JONES - Given outstanding service to Penrith Football Club since leaving Reds and another who played against us at Brunton Park.
MATHEW HENNEY - Could be back at Borough Park in August for a third spell with the club having played for Gretna, Reds and Barrow in recent years.
MATT SWAILES - Returned to his Lancashire roots and played for a while in the Unibond and North West Counties leagues.
PAUL STEWART - The crowd puller during that memorable season, it was great to see a top player in Reds’ colours and ‘doing his bit’ for the side. Limped off injured during the Mossley game. Still lives in the Blackpool area.
DARREN WILSON - Top scorer that season with 11 of his 14 netted in the league. Played for Netherhall for a while in the County League after a successful time with Reds.
GRANT HOLT - The success story of the championship winning side with the raw teenager, who scored 11 goals for Reds that season, going on to forge an illustrious career in the game serving the likes of Halifax Town, Barrow, Rochdale, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Shrewsbury Town. Scored in the Mossley match, netted his 29th for the Shrews on Saturday and the winner of a host of awards this season.
BRETT SWIFT - Only made a handful of appearances that season but did score a couple of goals. More recently been with Harraby CC.
GRAHAM GOULDING - Just broke through into the first team that season but made his mark in later years.
Edmo signs new three year deal (Sat 02 May)
Darren Edmondson signs new deal.
Workington Reds manager Darren Edmondson signed a new three year deal at last night’s Supporters Club Sportsman’s dinner.
The enjoyable evening proceeded with the contract signing and those present were highly entertained by compère Howard Nicholson, comedian and ventriloquist Paul Levant and former Wales and Everton defender Kevin Ratcliffe.
Workington have progressed under Darren's stewardship; last season progressing to the FA Cup First Round where we played Bury and finished in 14th place in Blue Square North.
While this season, a good run in the FA Trophy culminated in a tie against Wrexham and finishing 12th place in Blue Square North under tight financial constraints and with a small squad.
For the forthcoming season key players have signed new contracts and the majority of the squad have agreed to play on next season with the exception of Adam Collin who has left to join Carlisle United.
With the announcement of a new club sponsor in Romar Innovate for next season, the involvement of lifelong Reds' supporter John Rowland brings new optimism to the club.
Reds' chairman Humphrey Dobie congratulates Darren Edmondson.
Jonny and Jason complete the London Marathon (Sun 26 Apr)
Reds player Jonny Wright (pictured) and his brother Jason Pascoe completed the London Marathon today in memory of their brother Richard.
Richard suffered from Microcephalia, a disorder that affected the size of his brain. Sadly Richard passed away aged just 24.
Jonny and Jason are raising money for the charity Contact a Family, a charity providing support to families with disabled children.
Jonny Wright completed the marathon in a time of 4 hours, 44 minutes, 28 seconds alongside his brother Jason. Jonny suffered a groan strain after around 21 miles and struggled for the last 4 miles but got there in the end.
King's Lynn relegated from BSN (Thu 23 Apr)
King's Lynn have been threatened with expulsion from the Conference over ground grading issues.
The club have 14 days to launch an appeal against demotion after failing to meet Conference deadlines on remedial work to the council-owned Walks Stadium.
The local Borough Council who own the ground, have agreed to carry out an estimated £250,000 upgrade ahead of next season's league kick off but this has been rejected by Conference officials.
The council was first approached by the club for assistance in December, after a ground inspection highlighted areas which needed improvement.
The council agreed to provide financial assistance and contract support to enable KLFC to get the major works completed that included setting aside a budget of £250,000 to carry out works to increase the size of the changing rooms and to provide officials' changing rooms and a medical room for players. This sum also included an upgrade to the floodlighting. The smaller items were to be carried out by KLFC themselves including improving signage, adding two extra turnstiles and providing additional room in the dug-outs.
The club have 14 days to launch an appeal to the league. Lynn would be demoted to the Unibond Premier if they lose.
Tamworth win the league (Tue 21 Apr)
Tamworth gained victory over Hickley United by the single 65th minute goal from Nick Wright. With this victory giving the lambs a clear five point advantage over Gatehead heading into the final fixture at the weekend it ensured promotion for the Lambs to the Blue Square Premier.
The play-offs for the final promotion place will be contested between Gateshead, Southport, AFC Telford United and Alfreton Town.
Down and outs (Sat 18 Apr)
Following Saturday's games the three teams dropping out of the Blue Square North league have been confirmed.
With Hyde losing at Redditch United and Burscough losing at Stalybridge Celtic, both teams are relegated along with already relegated Hucknall Town.
New contracts agreed (Fri 17 Apr)
Following last nights County Cup victory against Carlisle United, Lee Andrews (pictured left) and Kyle May each signed a new two year contract confirming them as Reds' players up to April 2011.
Both participated in last night's cup victory and featured in the build up to only goal of the game scored by Gareth Arnison four minutes before the end of extra time.
The Cumberland Senior County Cup final will be played next Wednesday, 22nd April at Brunton Park, 7:00pm kick off. The Reds opponents in the final will be Penrith.
Mr Indestructible (Fri 17 Apr)
There were worries after Monday's game against Burscough that Kyle May had played his last game of the season following breaking his nose in the game. Kyle was replaced by Darren Edmodson to avoid further damage to his broken nose.
Kyle saw a specialist on Thursday who informed him a operation was required on the nose; the operation was scheduled for 11am this Friday morning.
Meanwhile, Kyle rang manager Darren Edmondson on Thursday asking if he could play in the County Cup Semi-final against Carlisle later that evening. Kyle played the full game including extra time.
Following the operation Kyle may make himself available for the trip to King's Lynn, depending how the operation goes.
OFK's Shaun Vipond injured on debut (Mon 13 Apr)
The English midfielder was injured in Thursday's friendly match for Swedish team Östersund against Norwegian side Byåsen and was taken by ambulance to hospital.
The injury occurred in the 29th minute when Vipond collided with a Byåsen player. Vipond was left writhing in pain after the collision and was carried off on a stretcher. Ambulance staff present at the ground believed he had broken his collar bone and Vipond was taken directly to Östersund hospital.
OFK's coach, Kalle Björklund said afterwards, "It is incredibly sad, we feel very sorry for Shaun. Typically enough, he started this game very well".
Vipond, making his debut for OFK, was attempting to force his way into the starting eleven for the forthcoming season.
Asked if following this injury that Shaun may go back to England, coach Kalle Björklund said, "That is for the Board to decide, but football really is tough. We cannot allow an injured player to take up a place in a competitive squad".
Ernie Talbot (Sun 12 Apr)
There was a moment of silence prior to kick-off on Saturday as a mark of respect to a former player and a supporter.
Ernie Talbot, a player from the fifties, and keen supporter Tony Waiting both passed away recently and our condolences go to the respective families.
Ernie’s finest hour in a Reds’ shirt was during the 1956-57 season when he scored twice in the famous 3-2 away win over Derby County. He only made 19 first team appearances over six seasons with the club during the fifties.
He did make his mark in North Eastern League football, though, scoring over fifty goals for the Reserves including a seasonal best of 17 during the 57-58 campaign.
Four of those goals were netted against Blyth Spartans who were the opposition when the minute of silence was observed on Saturday.
Ernie bagged two hat-tricks for the Reserves including four goals in a 5-3 win at Stockton.
After leaving Borough Park, Ernie signed for Netherfield.
Hopping along (Sun 12 Apr)
Club skipper Tony Hopper is presented with an engraved memento from chairman
Humphrey Dobie in recognition of his 200 (league and cup) appearances for the Reds.
Skipper Tony Hopper is the latest player at Borough Park to join the 200 club having reached that personal milestone in the home game against Hucknall Town on Tuesday. He produced another awesome performance and was unlucky not to mark the occasion with a stunning goal – his sweet volley ruled out because of an offside decision.
Tony made his Reds’ debut back in the 2000-01 season in a Unibond League First Division game against Lincoln United. Wearing the number 7 shirt he took his place in this line-up: Gary Hoggeth, Alan Gray, Gavin Skelton, Billy Barr, Wayne Johnson, Graeme Carr (Gary Milne),
Tony Hopper, John Wharton, Barry Irving (Graham Goulding), Brian Dawson and Mark Jones. Sub: Marc Green.
Since then he has made the number eight shirt his own in 200 league and cup appearances – 170 of which have been in the league – scoring fifteen goals in the process.
Season-by-season summary:
Season Appearances Goals
00-01 1
02-03 23+2 3
03-04 22+1 3
05-06 31+2 1
06-07 38+3 1
07-08 50 4
08-09 36+2 3
Hewson injury woes (Sat 11 Apr)
Injured Reds' skipper Dave Hewson received the worst possible news this week when he recieved the results of his ankle scan.
Dave has been out injured for nine weeks already and could face up to another eight months out of action confirmed by manager Darren Edmondson following Saturday's Blyth Spartans match.
Darren confirmed that Dave Hewson requires an operation on the injured ankle and it could possibly be around Christmas time before Hewson could resume playing.
New main sponsor (Fri 10 Ap)
John Rowlands with Reds chairman Humphrey Dobie.
The club is pleased to announce that John Rowlands, Managing Director of Romar Innovate and a lifelong Reds supporter, has agreed to Romar Innovate becoming the main club sponsor for the 2009-10 season.
Cumberland Cup semi-final date (Mon 06 Apr)
The date for the semi-final clash against Carlisle United in the Cumberland Senior County Cup has been agreed.
The fixture is to be played on Thursday 16th April, 7:00pmkick off at Borough Park.
News signings ahead of deadline (Fri 03 Apr)
Reds' manager Darren Edmondson has signed three recruits to the first team squad ahead of the deadline.
Former Morecambe youth player, Callum Ruttledge (pictured left) was present on the bench on Tuesday evening for the Fleetwood Town match.
Along side Callum on the bench was Adam Main (pictured right) has steeped up from the Reds Reserves.
Also signed, returning to the Reds fold, is goalkeeper Aaron Taylor (pictured left). Aaron has been training with the Reds for a few months now and is seen as a direct replacement for Adam Collin for next season.
Reserves game postponed (Thu 02 Apr)
Friday evenings Reserve team game against Lancaster City Reserves has been postponed as Lancaster are unable to raise a team.
The next Reserve team game is against Chorley. The match is to be played at Borough Park on Tuesday 14th April.
Mirehouse Cumberland Cup preview (Thu 02 Apr)
Reds’ manager Darren Edmondson will be playing himself in the quarter final tie at Mirehouse this evening.
Goalkeeper Adam Collin will be the other first team member playing along with new first team squad recruit Adam Main, (pictured left).
The winner of this tie will face Carlisle United in the semi-final.
News Archive