Strong links with CUFC (Wed 31 Dec)
Links between ourselves and Carlisle United have always been strong with the geography of the two clubs one of the main reasons.
The link has been particularly strong over the last few decades with non-league Reds recruiting many of those unfortunate to be released from the professional ranks at Brunton Park. Our current 'first eleven' contains no fewer than eight players with Blues' links.
Paul Harrison's excellent book 'Carlisle United The Complete Record' highlights the various connections between the clubs and there are dozens of players who have worn the red and the blue at different stages of their careers.
In a list of Carlisle United's Top 100 players the following appear: Darren Edmondson, Paul Fitzpatrick, Kevin Gray, Bobby Owen, Malcolm Poskett, Richard Prokas and Dennis Stokoe. With the exception of the latter, none of those had outstanding careers at Borough Park but the service, at the end of their playing days, was appreciated nevertheless.
Les O'Neill and Allan Ashman were both listed in United's top 100 and both later managed Reds while the likes of Bill Shankly, Clive Middlemass, Billy Barr and John Ward (who all managed the Blues) either managed or played for Reds.
It leads me to the question:
Who is the best player to play for Reds having previously played for Carlisle United?
I think the quartet who started this season with Reds - Kyle May, Tony Hopper, Craig Johnston and Graham Anthony - will be up there in contention, along with Alan Gray, while older supporters may opt for Dennis Stokoe, Brian Heslop, Frank Kirkup etc.
Certainly plenty of scope for some healthy debate.
Christmas day (Tue 23 Dec)
In the olden days, football was regularly played on Christmas Day and Reds enjoyed mixed fortunes in nineteen matches played on the 25th December.
Throughout the twenties, thirties, forties and fifties, we played regularly often against the same team home and away on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
During our North Eastern League days, we met Carlisle United Reserves seven times winning five of those and losing twice.
The 36-37 'derby' was a bit special with Reds thrashing United's Reserves 7-1 at Lonsdale Park and Dougie Sewell helped himself to a personal tally of four goals.
That fine achievement was bettered in 1950 when Jackie Oakes bagged five in a 6-2 home win over Eppleton CW.
Sunderland Reserves and Middlesbrough Reserves were other regular opponents on NEL business.
As a Football League club, we played five times on the 25th but two draws and three defeats was the best we could muster although there was ample consolation in 1954 when 9,502 spectators watched our home defeat to Southport.
Managers and players moan about the busy 'Christmas schedule' nowadays but during the 47-48 season Reds played on the 25, 26 and 27 and that followed an earlier match on the 20th.
Our complete record on Christmas Day reads: P. 19 W. 7 D. 4 L. 8 F. 42 A. 36.
Finally, and still on the Christmas Day theme, Shaun Vipond celebrates his 20th birthday today - congratulations from all at Borough Park.
Mo Matadar (Mon 22 Dec)
Referee Mo Matadar probably won't forget his first appearance at Borough Park - even though it was ten years ago.
The Accrington official was an assistant referee for Reds' North West Counties League fixture against Holker Old Boys on Boxing Day during the 98-99 season.
The conditions were so bad (wind and driving rain) that Mo was forced to retire at half-time after suffering from hypothermia. He spent the second half in the dressing room and Shankly Lounge recuperating while local referee Bob Crawford took his place on the line.
Several players were also suffering, including Reds' Darren Wilson, but none quite as bad as Mo.
He has been back at Borough Park since and actually refereed a pre-season friendly versus Blackburn Rovers in July, 2005.
Mo has made good progress since his days in the North West Counties League and now referees in the Conference as well as 'assisting' in both the Barclays Premier League and Football League.
On Sunday he was on the line at St. James' Park for Newcastle United's fixture v. Tottenham Hotspur.
During the half-time interval at Newcastle, the Blyth Spartans squad was invited on to the pitch in recognition of their FA Cup exploits and 40,000 Geordies gave them a standing ovation while manager Harry Dunn gave a live interview on the pitch.
FA Community Shield fund (Fri 19 Dec)
Reds interest in the FA Cup was short lived this season but their exploits for the 2007-08 campaign, when they reached the first round proper, will benefit three local charities thanks to the FA Community Shield Distribution Fund.
All 124 teams who played in the first round and beyond last season were invited to take a share from the fund and donate to a maximum of three local charities.
The amount received was £5,000 per club.
The recipients from Workington AFC on this occasion will be:
WEST CUMBRIA HOSPICE AT HOME
AGE CONCERN NORTH WEST CUMBRIA
ALZHEIMER'S SOCIETY
In the last three years, nearly 750 charities countrywide have benefited from donations via the FA totalling almost £1,940,000.
Billy sees red for Blues (Wed 17 Dec)
In only his fourth game for Penrith, former Reds' maestro, Graham Anthony, was sent off during extra-time of the FA Vase 4th Round tie against Whitley Bay.
He was enjoying a good game for the Blues but was given a straight red for a tackle on Bay's Chris Fawcett mid-way through the first period of extra time.
An even contest was goalless after ninety minutes but former winners, Whitley Bay, clinched victory with a wonder goal from Darren Reay just prior to 'Billy's' dismissal.
Other players with Reds connections on duty for Penrith included James Holland, Alan Gray, David Lynn, skipper Michael Reed, Matty Lea, Mark Jones and Ryan Errington.
No strangers to Borough Park (Wed 17 Dec)
On Wednesday of last week, we had thirteen players available for the Trophy tie but some sterling work from the manager resulted in two more 'bodies' obtained in time for kick-off.
Darren Campion (left) arrived on a month's loan from Carlisle United while former Morecambe player Andrew Langford (right) joined us on non-contract terms.
Both made their debut in a re-shaped back four and helped the Reds make progress in the competition.
Neither were strangers to Borough Park with Andrew, in fact, having played at the ground several times. He played here for Morecambe Reserves in Lancashire League matches and then in a pre-season friendly in 2007.
Match winner, Darren, played for Carlisle United in the August friendly.
Unsung hero (Wed 17 Dec)
Who was your 'man-of-the-match' in Saturday's thrilling Trophy win over King's Lynn?
Darren Campion, Gareth Arnison, Jonny Wright, Gari Rowntree or even Phil McLuckie perhaps.
All made more than useful contributions, as did the other six players, but the top accolade for me went to groundsman Jeff Curwen (pictured).
It was a 'no-win' situation for Jeff, and the club, with King's Lynn already parked up for the night just six miles from the ground and the match referee travelling on the day.
A routine inspection of the pitch on Friday evening revealed it to be in superb condition with the heavy rain already underway.
A second look at the pitch early on Saturday morning confirmed that the pitch was very much playable although very wet.
By mid-morning, Jeff was working on the pitch attempting to drain the surface water and doing so in a torrential downpour.
Had we been playing 'more local' opposition, there was a good chance the game would have been called off at noon but, thanks to our unsung hero, the game started and was completed.
From a near perfect surface at 3pm, it quickly became a morass and by the finish was a bit of a mess.
All Reds supporters left the ground on a high but Jeff then faced the unenviable task of putting things right for Saturday - difficult enough in half decent weather - but more rain throughout this week has left him to perform another miracle.
New signing (Fri 12 Dec)
Reds' manager Darren Edmondson signed Carlisle United's Darren Campion (20) on loan last night. The club is awaiting for confirmation from the FA and Conference that the registration has gone through in time for him to feature in tomorrows FA Trophy tie against Kings Lynn.
He played against us for Carlisle in the pre-season friendly and has been at Brunton Park for the past sixteen months.
Born in Bromford, West Midlands, Darren was originally with Birmingham City and has a handful of first team appearances for Carlisle to his credit.
Andrews knee op date change (Sun 30 Nov)
Lee Andrew is set to have his knee operation now on December 12th with it being pushed back four days from the original intended date.
He will continue playing up until the operation takes place. He was told he has a cartlidge problem that will require surgery to correct it from Carlisle United physio Neil Dalton. The exact cause of the problem will not be known until surgery takes takes place.
The 200 club (Sun 30 Nov)
Adam Collin and Kyle May recently made their 200th appearance for the Reds, both reached the double century on the same day in fact - last month's FA Cup tie v. Harrogate Town at Borough Park - and one wonders just how many 'man of the match' awards they have amassed over the past four seasons.
Craig Johnston is now in his ninth season as a Reds player and reached a personal milestone at Vauxhall Motors when he made his 200th league appearance for the club. In doing so, Johnno created history by becoming part of the first father and son combination to play two hundred league games for Workington.
Prior to the Vauxhall Motors game at Borough Park on Saturday they each received a memento for their achievements presented to them by Reds Chairman Humphry Dobie.
FA Trophy (Tue 25 Nov)
A rare home draw from Soho Square has paired us with King's Lynn and a first ever cup meeting between the sides.
All six previous encounters were in the Northern Premier League back in the early eighties with the Norfolk side last in West Cumbria
twenty-five years ago.
Previous encounters:
Season Home Away
80-81 1-1 0-2
81-82 2-1 1-3
82-83 0-1 0-0
The first round proper tie will be played on 13th December with the replay, if needed, on Tuesday 16th.
King's Lynn secretary, Martin Davis, used to watch Reds regularly during our Football League days - he witnessed the final home and away games v. Newport County - and had a near complete collection of our home programmes between 1951 and 1977.
He is probably the only King's Lynn fan looking forward to two matches in west Cumbria on consecutive Saturdays.
King's Lynn reached the first round after a 3-2 home win over Stafford Rangers.
On this day (Tue 25 Nov)
As Reds prepare for tomorrow's Cumberland Cup match against Frizington White Star (Borough Park, 7.45pm), it is worth recalling a cup-tie played on the 25th November, 1964.
Workington hosted Chelsea at Borough Park in the 5th Round of the Football League Cup in what is now recognised as one of the greatest occasions in the club's history.
Chelsea, as now, were riding high in the top flight of English football and were unbeaten on their travels when they arrived in west Cumbria. Reds were 4th in the old Third Division at the time.
In front of our record League Cup attendance (17,996), Reds gave Tommy Docherty's Chelsea the fright of their lives by holding them to a 2-2 draw having been 0-2 down early in the game. Dave Carr and Kit Napier scored for the Reds' and we had a 'goal' disallowed late in the game for an offside offence.
We eventually lost the replay, 0-2, but the crowd at Stamford Bridge was 10,000 fewer than the gathering at Borough Park.
44 years on, it remains one of the memorable matches staged at Borough Park.
As a matter of interest, Chelsea finished 3rd in the First division behind champions Manchester United and runners-up Leeds United. Reds finished 15th and t'other lot up the road (Carlisle United) ended the campaign as Third Division champions.
Reds on the 'net (Mon 24 Nov)
Channel M's The Great Manchester Football Show featuring the extended highlights of the thrilling 4 - 4 draw at Hyde on Sat 15th November is now available to watch online.
Reds on the telly (Sun 23 Nov)
Handshakes at Hyde
Reds' thrilling 4-4 draw at Hyde United featured on Channel M's The Great Manchester Football Show on Friday with twenty minutes of well edited highlights devoted to the Blue Square North encounter at Ewen Fields.
Anthony Wright's sweet left foot drive and Shaun Vipond's nonchalant finish after a fifty yard run looked even better with the benefit of numerous action replays as did Jonny Wright's brace.
The female presenter fell into the age-old trap of introducing us as WORKINGTON TOWN (twice) and Gareth Arnison appeared as ARMISON on the team caption but, other than that, it was superb publicity by the Manchester television company.
The exposure was most welcome and came a year after we made our debut on Match of the Day when the goals from the Bury FA Cup-tie featured in a minute long clip.
It was the best coverage of a Reds' league game 'on-the-box' since ITV screened our games at Darlington (1969), where we lost 6-2, and Hartlepool (1974) - a 3-0 defeat. Both games were covered by regional television company, Tyne-Tees, but, sadly, neither game was shown in our area on Border TV.
Sportsman's Dinner (Sat 22 Nov)
An enjoyable time was had by all at the latest fund raising celebrity dinner at the Washington Central Hotel.
Guest speaker was the former Northampton Town, Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers player Phil Neal who recalled some memorable stories from his distinguished career.
A little nervous in front of the microphone, the former England international was well received by the guests and willingly posed for photographs and signed autographs for all and sundry.
Comedian Carl Schofield was a big hit too and his deadpan style brought the house down.
The two guests were joined on the top table by Reds' chairman Humphrey Dobie, fellow director Colin Doorbar and deputy master of ceremonies, John Walsh.
Various fund raising events were held throughout the evening concluding with an auction of sporting memorabilia.
Full credit to the organisers particularly Clare McAleavey.
Phil Neal is pictured above with former Reds' favourite Gary Messenger.
Vipond returns to Borough Park (Fri 21 Nov)
Shaun Vipond after completing a three months lone spell at Borough Park has signed for the Reds until the end of the season.
Vipond, who has been very impressive of late, scored a wonderful goal last Saturday at Hyde following a sixty yard run from his own half of the field.
Further good news on the transfer front is the signing of defender/midfielder Michael Tait, who is well known to the management team from his days at Gretna.
More recently Tait has played for Newcastle Blue Star and Blyth Spartans.
Trophy trivia (Thu 20 Nov)
Tamworth FC - The Lamb Ground
Reds embark on The FA Trophy trail on Saturday with supporters hoping for a repeat of last season's excitement in the competition. It will be their thirty-first campaign in the Trophy which attracted an entry of 263 clubs this season.
Over the years, Reds have played 75 games in the competition winning 22 of those, losing 30 and forcing a replay on 23 occasions. The victories, 14 at home, 8 away, have been few and far between in recent years but wins over Nuneaton Borough and Leigh RMI last term set-up the memorable pairing with Braintree Town - our longest journey to date.
Other 'long hauls' have seen Reds play mid-week replays at Leicester United (where we suffered a record 5-0 defeat) and Burton Albion (where we recorded a famous victory via a penalty shoot-out) as well as other trips to the Midlands: Rocester and Bilston.
Rothwell Town (away) took us to Northamptonshire during the 96-97 season and it resulted in a magnificent 7-1 triumph, Workington's best ever win in The Trophy.
Bonus point if you can name the Reds scorers that day!
If you look for a special date as an omen for cup-ties, there may be some encouragement to learn that Reds held Carlisle United (0-0) in The FA Cup on 22nd November, 1980. However, on the same day in 1992, we were thrashed 7-1 at home by Shepshed Albion!
The match at The Lamb Ground will kick-off at 3pm with Reds using the popular sky and blue and white change outfit.
Admission charges will be £12 (£7 for concessions) for the stand and £10 (£5 concessions) for the ground and the programme will be available at the turnstiles for £2.
Mick Galloway returns ....... (Wed 19 Nov)
Former Reds player Mick Galloway is back at Watnall Road just a couple of weeks after losing his job as Hucknall Town's joint manager.
He has signed for Unibond League Premier Division outfit Worksop Town who currently ground-share at Hucknall.
Mick made a successful start on his debut scoring the winner for the Tigers in their 3-2 win at surprise strugglers, Witton Albion.
Meanwhile the other 'Tigers', Hyde United, have said farewell to Dino Maamria who has rejoined one of his former clubs, Stevenage Borough, as first team coach.
Mr. Maamria scored Hyde's second goal against Reds last Saturday.
Aussie Hayton on trial (Wed 19 Nov)
Chris Hayton, a 20 year old Australian midfielder, is in training with the Reds after approaching the club.
Chris, born to English parents who emigrated to Australia has family in West Cumbria.
Chris played for Mount Druitt Town football club in Sydney and was playing for their first team before deciding to travel to England to further his football career.
Chris will feature in Thursday evening's Reserve team against Darwen Reserves. The game, at Borough Park, kicks off at 8:00pm.
Craig Johnston suspension (Mon 17 Nov)
Craig Johnston's 3 match ban has been confirmed by the FA following his dismissal v. Farsley Celtic.
He will miss three games from the 22nd November which, at the moment, will be:
Tamworth (FA Trophy), Frizington White Star (Cumberland Cup) and Vauxhall Motors (Blue Square North).
Frizington White Star v Workington AFC (Mon 17 Nov)
The above Cumberland Cup match, thanks to the co-operation of the Frizington club, has been switched to Borough Park and will be played on Wednesday 26th November, 2008 kick-off 7.45pm.
Should there be a draw in the Trophy at Tamworth, the replay for that would be played on Tuesday 25th November with the County Cup match re-scheduled for Wednesday 3rd December, 2008.
It will be classed as a first team fixture.
Reds reject Harrogate approach (Sun 16 Nov)
The Reds chairman Humphrey Dobie received an approach from the Harrogate chairman Bill Fotherby midweek for star defender Kyle May. Manager Darren Edmodson informed Kyle of the approach at training. The approach has been rejected.
Harrogate Town manager Neil Aspin sought out Kyle May after the two FA Cup matches to congratulate him on his faultless display over the two games. Coming from a fellow defender with over 600 league appearances in his playing career, it was high praise indeed.
Neil Aspin began his career as a traineee at Leed United, making his debut at right-back in the 1981-82 season as a 16 year old. Having played 207 league games for the club he was sold to Port Vale for £200,000 in July 1989.
At Port Vale, Aspin became a firm favourite of the supporters, taking the club's player of the year award in his first season. Aspin continued to be a regular fixture in the Vale side for a number of seasons to come making 348 league appearances.
All the fours (Sun 16 Nov)
Most Reds fans at Hyde were probably watching their heroes scrapping out a 4-4 draw for the very first time.
It was the first such scoreline involving us in a league fixture for 51 years!
The last time was in August, 1957 when a 7,000 plus Borough Park crowd witnessed Reds and Halifax Town share eight goals.
The only other one I can recall since was a pre-season encounter at Morpeth Town in August 1997.
So, put aside the disappointment of conceding that late, late equaliser - it was a very rare scoreline - and, defensive naivety apart, a tonic of a performance from the lads.
Andrews knee op date set (Fri 14 Nov)
Lee Andrew is set to have a knee operation on December 8th but will continue playing up until the operation takes place. He has been told he has a cartlidge problem that will require surgery to correct from Carlisle United physio Neil Dalton. The exact cause of the problem will not be known until surgery takes takes place.
He also returns tomorrow for the Hyde United game after his one match ban following his dismissal against Vauxhall Motors and will rejoin Kyle May in the centre of defence.
Reserves Formby game preview (Tue 11 Nov)
Outgoing Workington Reserves’ team manager Herbert Briggs will take charge of his last Reserve team game this Friday evening as Formby visit Borough Park. The match kicks off at 8pm.
Although Herbert Briggs will be on the bench for the following game on Thursday November 20th, new Reserves’ boss Steve Lee will also be by his side.
Briggs added, "It will be good to have Steve on the bench for that game although he knows half the players as he is their under 18 manager, but being on the bench will give him chance to look at the likes of Sewell, McCullough, Rutherford, Bryden and Birkbeck to name a few. The rest of the 24 man squad Steve should know as he recommended them to me".
"I'm delighted the club moved quickly to appoint my successor as I can't give the job the time it needs. I had said I would stay on until they got someone. I recommended Steve and I'm delighted to hand the job over to him and with a bit of luck I will hand over a winning side as we look for victories over Formby and Darwen".
Steve’s first game in sole charge will be in the Lancit Haulage Lancashire League game at Lancaster’s Giant Axe ground on Friday 5th December, but before that the Reds will take on Frizington Whitestar in the FA County Cup. This match will see Herbert Briggs in the opposition dug out as he manages Frizington Whitestar in the Tesco Cumberland County League.
Carl Heiniger will make a return to Reds colours this week as the midfielder will start in the Reserves game on Friday night. Carl last played for Reds in the 2005/06 season. More recently he has been turning out for Consett.
Carl Heiniger's record first time round:
League: 10 + 3 sub (5 goals)
FA Cup: 3
FA Trophy: 2
County Cup: 1 (2 goals)
Total: 16 + 3 sub (7 goals)
His goals were against Lancaster City (home) 1-1, Redditch United (home) 1-2, Northbank (home) in County Cup - netted twice in 7-1 win, Stalybridge Celtic (home) 1-2, the winner v. Kettering Town (home) 3-2 and Vauxhall Motors (away) 1-2.
Reds Reserves squad:
James Bryden, Craig Johnston, Mathew Brown, Brian Rutherford, Ryan Birkbeck, Carl Heiniger, Lee McCullough, Dan McDermott, Micky Sewell, Adam Main, Nich Holden, Gregg Mitchell, Grant Bell, Steffen Scott, Gareth Brunton, Martyn Rossie & Mathew Charters.
Reds cards (Mon 10 Nov)
One bit of concern at the moment, however, is the number of red cards picked up so far. The four to date is our highest seasonal total in Blue Square North following 2 (05-06), 3 (06-07) and 2 (07-08) previously.
Craig Johnston's first red card follows the earlier misdemeanours of Kyle May, Graham Anthony and Lee Andrews.
Johnno will now miss three games from the 22nd November.
Reds in the red (Mon 10 Nov)
It's official, Reds are now in the red, that is, in terms of their record in Blue Square North.
Saturday's defeat to Farsley Celtic was Reds' 51st in the league over the past two and half seasons and that compares with the number in the 'won' column of 50.
Our complete record at this level now reads:
| Played | Won | Draw | Loss | For | Against | Points |
142 | 50 | 41 | 51 | 189 | 185 | 191 |
Captain Dabba (Mon 10 Nov)
Since becoming members of the Conference in 2005, eight different players have skippered the side with David Hewson the latest to wear the armband.
Following Graham Anthony's departure last week, Dabba has been given the job on a permanent basis having deputised earlier this season.
His predecessors include Alan Gray, Steve Birks, Kyle May, Craig Johnston, Tony Hopper, Tom Cowan and Graham Anthony.
Birksy led the team out on 109 occasions making him the most talismanic skipper since the Will Varty era.
Dabba will be hoping to lead the team to victory for the first time at Hyde on Saturday.
New Reserves' manager appointed (Sat 08 Nov)
Stephen Lee has been appointed as the Reserve Team manager after Herbert Briggs stepped aside due to work commitments.
Stephen is currently the manager of the Workington U18 side that sit in second place in the Longhorn Youth Football League. Stephen was in charge of the Workington U16 side last season and is also manager of the County U16 side.
Adam Johnson remains as Reserves Coach/Physio while Herbert Briggs will remain as Reserve Team secretary and will be in the dug out with Stephen for the Formby game, (Fri 14 Nov), and the Darwen game, (Thu 20 Nov). Stephen's first match flying solo will be the Lancaster game on Friday 5th December.
Ex. Reds in managerial changes (Sat 08 Nov)
Two former Reds players were involved in managerial changes this week and whilst it was bad news for John Ward (pictured) it was a case of welcome back for Keith Burkinshaw.
John lost his job at Carlisle United after an eleven match winless sequence and one hopes he can recover from his worst period in over forty years in the game. His distinguished career included a spell at Borough Park during the 72-73 season when he scored three goals in a dozen appearances.
In contrast, Keith made 329 (295 in the League) appearances for Reds between 1957 and 1965 and also managed the team for a spell.
He subsequently managed Spurs, Sporting Lisbon, Gillingham, West Bromwich Albion and Aberdeen finishing up at Watford in a coaching capacity.
Keith, now 73, left the Vicarage Road club in December, 2007 but returned this week to assist caretaker manager Malky Mackay on a short term basis.
Kevin Gray op date (Fri 07 Nov)
Kevin Gray's operation is to go ahead on December 18th to repair the damaged knee he sustained in the pre-season friendly against Whitehaven Amateurs.
Following the operation Kevin will have to undergo considerable rehabilitation and cionsequently will not be available in the short term.
Reserves' manager quits (Fri 07 Nov)
Due to increased worked commitments Herbert Briggs has informed the club of his intention to step down as manager of the Reserve team. He his however prepared to stay for the next two games, next Friday against Formby and Thursday 20th Nov against Darwen, to allow time for the club to appoint a successor.
Herbert has been involved with the Reserves for four seasons and last season saw the team claim the Lancashire League title before the vast majority of the side followed Stuart Rome to Gretna.
Milestone with an unhappy ending (Wed 05 Nov)
We all feared Graham Anthony's appearance at Southport would be his last before moving to the more lucrative pastures of Southend Road/Frenchfield. And so it proved.
It was also, in fact, his 100th appearance for Reds and he reached the milestone with another accomplished display helping the team to a well deserved point on a ground where we have only lost three times in our last fifteen visits.
His century of appearances consisted of 81 in the league and a further 19 in cup competitions plus 4 more as a substitute. 'Billy' netted 13 goals whilst on Reds duty. He also played in 14 friendlies scoring twice.
Graham Anthony is pictured above in his last game at Borough Park against Tamworth.
Brook Mileson dies (Mon 03 Nov)
Brooks Mileson, the former owner of Gretna Football Club, has died at the age of 60 after a long illness.
He was found unconscious at his home in Blackford, near Carlisle, on Monday morning and was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary where he later died.
Mileson was a devotee of grass-roots football and was a a philanthropist to 70 non-league clubs.
FA Trophy draw (Mon 03 Nov)
The FA Trophy 3rd Round Qualifying fixtures were drawn today with the Reds being drawn away to current Blue Square North league leaders Tamworth.
The Reds have previously played Tamworth in the league this season losing 4 - 1 in October.
The fixture is to be played on Saturday 22nd November.
Other ties in the northern section include:
Hinckley United v Burscough
Kings Lynn v Stafford Rangers
Solihull Moors v Durham City
Ossett Town v Fleetwood Town
Whitby Town v Stalybridge Celtic
Redditch United v Cammell Laird
Romulus/Warrington Town v Nantwich Town
FC United Of Manchester v Boston United
Vauxhall Motors v Southport
Chasetown/North Ferriby United v Ilkeston Town
Farsley Celtic v Droylsden
Gainsborough Trinity v AFC Telford United
Hyde United v Hednesford Town
Blyth Spartans AFC v Alfreton Town
Stourbridge v Hucknall Town
Gateshead v Harrogate Town
Glapwell v Skelmersdale United
Cumberland Cup draw (Mon 03 Nov)
The Reds will begin their interest in the Cumberland Cup at the 3rd Round stage with an away tie at Frizington White Star.
Other ties at this stage of the competition will include:
Whitehaven v. Cockermouth/Whitehaven Miners Welfare
Cleater Moor Celtic v. Carlisle United (holders)
Penrith v. Gillford Park
Windscale v. Braithwaite/Langwathby
Ties are due to be played on or before the 29th November.
Lee Andrews' suspension confirmed (Sun 02 Nov)
The FA have confirmed Lee Andrews' one match suspension following his dismissal, (two yellow cards), at Vauxhall Motors.
He will miss the home game v. Farsley Celtic or the first match played after the 8th November.
More bad news (Wed 29 Oct)
Penrith have put in 7 days notice on Reds' captain Graham Anthony.
Penrith will be able to approach Billy after the weekends' game against top of the Blue Square North table toppers Southport.
Reds have lost Dan Kirkup this week to New Zealand side Hawkes Bay United and will shortly be losing Shaun Vipond after his three-month loan spell comes to an end.
Johnstons make history (Tue 28 Oct)
Craig Johnston is now in his ninth season as a Reds player and reached a personal milestone at Vauxhall Motors last Saturday when he made his 200th league appearance for the club.
In doing so, Johnno created history by becoming part of the first father and son combination to play two hundred league games for Workington. Dad Ian, who played for Reds for thirteen seasons between 1975 and 1987, is still way ahead in terms of appearances with his record of 338 starts including 297 league outings. Craig's record to date is 239 starts in league and cup although he can tag-on a further 91 appearances as a substitute.
Craig holds the upper hand in the goalscoring department, however, with his tally of 86 slightly better than defender Ian's total of 6.
Other father and son combinations to play for Reds include: Bobby and Bobby (junior) Brown, Ken and Kenny (junior) Wallace, Kevin and Gari Rowntree, Billy and Billy (junior) Robson, John and John (junior) McNamee, Clive and Scott Middlemass, Ian and Steve Hodgson and David and Aaron Taylor.
Ever presents (Tue 28 Oct)
After seventeen league and cup games, only two players - Adam Collin and Anthony Wright - remain everpresent having started all our matches to date.
Dan Kirkup, Dan Robinson and Phil McLuckie have been on duty for every game so far too making 9, 12 and 5 starts respectively.
Of those twenty-one players, Steven Rudd, James Earl and Dan Gullen are now playing their football elsewhere while Dan Kirkup was on duty for the last time on Saturday.
Martyn Coleman became the 21st different player to represent the first team this season when he made his Blue Square North debut via the bench at Vauxhall Motors on Saturday.
Farewell Dan (Sun 26 Oct)
There were handshakes all round on Saturday as Dan Kirkup said his goodbyes to his team mates prior to his departure to New Zealand this week.
The tall central defender, 20, is set to join Hawke's Bay United for the start of the New Zealand Football Championship.
A Southport and Clyde loanee during his time as a Carlisle United professional, Dan joined Reds last season making his debut v. Gainsborough Trinity in March. He played in the final fourteen games of the campaign and headed his first goal in the 1-0 win over Worcester City.
This term, Kirky has been involved in all seventeen matches making nine starts, the last of which on 13th September, and eight as a substitute.
Dan converted a spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out defeat at Harrogate Town and also had one saved in the pre-season tournament at Annan Athletic.
He goes 'down under' with our good wishes.
Dan off to Hawkes Bay United (Thu 23 Oct)
Dan Kirkup is New Zealand bound after agreeing a one year contract with New Zealand side Hawkes Bay United (HBU). The season starts for HBU on 9th November with a home game against Waikato.
Hawke’s Bay United represents the east coast of the North Island in the New Zealand Football Championship (NZFC), a franchise based 8 team National league played annually from November to March.
Reserves' Burscough match postoned (Thu 23 Oct)
Friday's Reserves match at home against Burscough has been cancelled.
The Reserves next scheduled fixture is away to Leigh Genesis on Thursday 30th October.
Reserves' Clitheroe match postponed (Sun 19 Oct)
Monday evening's Reserve team game away to Clitheroe Reserves has been cancelled.
The Reserves next fixture is this Friday, (24 Oct), at Borough Park against Burscough Reserves.
New face on the bench (Sat 18 Oct)
Sue Pollock has joined the club as physio and was on the bench on Saturday and again last Tuesday against Gateshead. In both games her 'magic sponge' wasn't required for any of the Reds players.
There was a pause to the game on Saturday when she did have to treat the referee for a muscle tweak.
Physio Alan Currie resigns (Fri 10 Oct)
Club physio Alan Currie has handed in his resignation. Alan, a Scot based in Langholm, had been a popular member of the first team set up and was in his fourth season with the club.
Deja vu (Wed 01 Oct)
Cast your mind back eleven years to the FA Trophy replay at Wetherby Road.
Harrogate Town 0 Workington 0 (after extra time)
Town win 5-4 on penalties.
So, Harrogate Town become the first team to knock Reds out of both Cup and Trophy on penalties.
By the way, we did beat Harrogate Town 4-3 on penalties in the President's Cup semi-final after a
4 - 4 draw in 2003-04!
Revised suspension (Tue 30 Sep)
Due to the FA Cup replay, Graham Anthony's suspension will now be concluded in eight days rather than the two or three weeks had we not drawn with Harrogate Town.
His three games will now be: Harrogate Town (27/9), Harrogate Town (30/9) and AFC Telford United (4/10) making him available for either Eastwood Town (11/10) or Tamworth (18/10).
FA Cup replay and draw (Mon 29 Sep)
There is concern that a possibly four Reds players may be unavailable for the FA Cup replay on Tuesday night at Harrogate due to work commitments. It is hoped that all will be able to get time off work.
In addition, there is concern that Jonny Wright might not have recovered sufficiently from the bad knock he received to his leg on Saturday. Jonny Wright was forced to retire after 32 minutes after a challenge that went unpunished but appeared to warrant a card.
The draw for the FA Cup was made today and if successful in the replay against Harrogate Town, normal service has resumed in that Reds will be facing an away draw against Unibond Premier side Eastwood Town in the Third Qualifying Round.
'Super stadium' cost revealed (Mon 22 Sep)
The reported cost of the 'super stadium' option has been reported as £31,444,000. This option would see the single stadium for use by both Workington Town rugby league and Workington AFC football club with 2,500 seats and a 4,000 standing capacity.
Additionally this option would include a leasure centre with swimming pool, sports hall and all-weather pitches.
The option preferred by Workington AFC is the alternative option where both Borough Park and Derwent Park would be refurbished with the building of new stands. Surprisingly this option has been costed as high as £29,541,000.
The Directors of the club are determined in their opposition to going into a single shared stadium with all the pitfalls that this could bring.
Vipond available for the FA Cup (Mon 22 Sep)
Carlisle United have given their permission for Shaun Vipond to play in the FA Cup so he will be in the squad to face Harrogate Town on Saturday.
Autograph hunters (Mon 22 Sep)
The Reds' players were besieged by autograph hunters on their arrival at Hucknall Town's Watnall Road ground on Saturday with no fewer than five collectors having a selection of books and photographs ready to be signed.
On the day two of his former clubs (Blackburn Rovers and Fulham) met, Viv Busby was a popular target for the collectors and he spent a few minutes autographing photographic memorablia from the seventies and eighties.
Having obtained the required autographs, the 'gang' left the ground and were heading for Pride Park to watch their favourites, Derby County, take on Cardiff City.
Strange but true!
News round-up (Fri 19 Sep)
Graham Anthony's suspension of 3 games has been confirmed by The FA and will commence on 27th September with the FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying match against Harrogate Town.
The paperwork for extending Shaun Vipond's loan for another month was sent off yesterday. The club should receive confirmation today.
Reserves' October fixtures announced (Thu 18 Sep)
The Reserves' October fixtures start with a trip Clitheroe on Friday 3rd. Unfortunately for Reserves' boss Herbert Briggs, this coincides with his and Tracy's 21st wedding anniversary. "Tracy will be chuffed."
A large bunch of flowers, at least, may be in order!
Reserves Bamber Bridge preview (Mon 15 Sep)
The Reserves travel to Bamber Bridge tomorrow evening for the Lancit Haulage Lancashire League fixture at the Irongate ground.
Matthew Mahoney will be making his debut in goal with Andrew Hardman up frontt and Phil McLuckie on the right side of a five man midfield.
The Reds Reserves met Bamber Bridge just over two weeks ago and went down 5 - 3 on that occasion.
The complete Reserves squad for tomorrows match is as follows:
Matthew Mahoney
Matthew Brown
Ryan Birkbeck
Craig Johnston (Jnr)
Greg Mitchell
Brian Rutherford
Mick Sewell
Phil McCluckie
Lee McCullough
Adam Main
Will Heaney
Gareth Brunton
Andrew Hardman
Martin Coulthard
Reds get a FA Cup home draw (Mon 15 Sep)
Workington obtained a rare home tie in the FA Cup this afternoon when they were draw against fellow Blue Square North side Harrogate Town in the Second Qualifying Round.
The tie is to played on Saturday 27th September, 3:00pm kick off at Borough Park.
John Crook's sponsored bike ride (Sun 14 Sep)
John Crook completed his annual Brunton Park to Borough Park on Saturday arriving at Borough Park before the Solihull Moors kick-off. This is the third year John has completed this ride.
John has raised around £300 so far this year with money still coming in. If anyone wants to contribute, you can contact the club on 01900 602871 to make a donation.
John is seen here with Reds directors Jos Taylor and Humphrey Dobie.
Reserves Darwen match postponed (Mon 08 Sep)
The Reserves match against Darwen on Monday evening has been postponed after the pitch failed an inspection this afternoon.
Pitch inspection planned for Reserves match (Sun 07 Sep)
The Reserves match against Darwen on Monday evening is to undergo a pitch inspection at around 1pm Monday afternoon.
Friday night pitch inspection passed (Fri 05 Sep)
The Borough Park pitch underwent a pitch inspection around 8pm on Friday night, even though there was small patches of surface water sitting on the pitch, the pitch was passed fit to play on for Saturday's match against Redditch United.
Redditch United are setting off at 8am on Saturday morning and wanted an early decision. The ground will be looked at again in the morning, but barring heavy rain overnight the pitch should be perfect.
Recent news round-up (Fri 05 Sep)
Whitehaven AFC have served seven days notice of approach for Dan Gullen.
James Earl is currently suspended, (1 Sep to 14 Sep). This is a carry-over from last season with Harraby Catholic Club.
The FA Youth Cup tie versus Ashton Town will be played at Borough Park on Tuesday 23 September 2008, 7:00pm kick off.
Collin double (Tue 02 Sep)
It was a good night for the Collin family at Droylsden on Monday with goalkeeper Adam joined on the bench by brother Darren.
Darren was deputising for physiotherpist Alan Currie and was well received in the dressing room.
Adam, meanwhile, was doing his bit on the pitch which included a magnificent penalty save to keep out Neil Prince's 25th minute spot-kick.
Adam's brother Darren Collin.
Workington Reds programmes updated (Sun 30 Aug)
Tom Allen's excellent internet site, Workington Reds Programmes has been updated with a new set of programmes that are available to for bid for in the programme auction. The programmes this month are mainly from the 1957-58 season.
The site contains a wealth of information on past Reds players and managers within a searchable encyclopedia from the club's league days, the Workipedia!
What Workington Reds Programmes website is all about is offering you the opportunity to bid on classic Workington Programmes. Any monies raised from auctions will be dontated to Workington AFC.
Visit www.workingtonreds-programmes.co.uk
Alfreton Town match preview (Fri 29 Aug)
Reds' manager Darren Edmondson will be forced to make changes for the match at Alfreton tomorrow due to injuries to key midfielders Tony Hopper and Graham Anthony. Also missing will be defender Kyle May who starts his three match suspension and will additionally miss the Droylsden and Redditch United matches.
It is anticipated that Dan Kirkup will replace Kyle May and Shaun Vipond will move into the centre of midfield leaving two places to be filled in midfield with Dan Robinson and Craig Johnston the favourites for the positions.
Andrew Hardman will join the squad after missing the Burscough match where he would have likely started if available.
Parking at Alfreton Town match on 30th August (Mon 25 Aug)
The club has been informed by Alfreton Town that there will be no parking at the Impact Arena due to re-developement work being carried out. Anyone travelling to Alfreton for this match will have to find a place to park away from the ground.
Kyle's suspension confirmed (Thu 21 Aug)
The FA has confirme Kyle May's suspension. Kyle will miss three matches with effect from 30 August, i.e. Alfreton Town, Droylsden and Redditch United.
VIP visit to Borough Park (Mon 18 Aug)
The Reds had a welcome visitor to Borough Park on Saturday. Dennis Strudwick is the General Manager of the Football Conference and was on his 'tour of the clubs' when making his first visit to Borough Park. Dennis is seen here with Steve Durham and Humphrey Dobie.
Dennis was in touch with the club today and passed on the following message. "Please accept my thanks for the warm welcome and generous hospitality I received. I enjoyed meeting you all and I also enjoyed the match".
After an overnight stay in Cockermouth, Mr Strudwick travelled to the north east attending Gateshead's game against Alfreton Town.
Carlisle's Shaun Vipond signs on loan (Fri 15 Aug)
Shaun Vipond, 19 year old midfielder, has joined Workington Reds on loan for one month. Shaun, from Hexham, will feature in the squad for Saturday's game against Stafford Rangers.
Shaun signed his first professional contract with Carlisle United in May 2007, it runs until June 2009.
He has made one full appearance and three substitute appearances for Carlisle.
Reserves v Burscough preview (Wed 12 Aug)
Workington Reserves new look side will hope to make a winning start to their 2008/09 season as they travel to Burscought tonight 8pm.
Reds beat Burscough twice last season but manager Herbert Briggs knows it's a diffrent ball game as he goes in to tomorrow's game with only one player on duty from last seasons squad, Steven Rudd, who will again captain the side from his central midfield role.
Steven is a class player who has captained the side for three year and following the loss of Dan Gullen and Phil McCluckie for the trip, Briggs will travel with only fourteen players. Phil McLuckie played ninety minutes last night for the first team against Harrogate Town and Dan Gullen is working late and unavailable as also is Dan McDermott.
Martin Coleman and Ryan Birkbeck, two 6ft plus guys, will also travel with the Reserves as Briggs will hand thirteen players their Lancashire League debuts.
Reserves Squad:
Mathew Charters
Callum Lee
Brian Rutherford
Grant Bell
Ryan Moody
Ryan Birkbeck
Mick Sewell
Greg Mitchell
Garath Brunton
Adam Maine
Steven Rudd
Nicholas Holden
Martin Coleman
Steffan Scott
Reserves pre-season fixture postoned (Fri 08 Aug)
Thursday evening's Reserve team fixture against Parton United had to be postponed due to bad weather. This would have been the second and final friendly for the Reserves before their league season starts next Wednesday evening. Their first fixture in the Lancit Haulage Lancashire League is away to Burscough. Reds Reserves only previous friendly against Wigton Harriers was won convincingly 8 - 0.
Cartilage operation required for Kevin Gray (Wed 06 Aug)
Veteran defender Kevin Gray who signed in the summer requires a cartilage operation on the knee he injured against Whitehaven Amateurs three weeks ago.
It is hoped that the PFA will fund the operation and Gray then will only miss 6 to 12 weeks.
Reserves Parton United friendly switched (Wed 06 Aug)
The Reds Reserves have switched the tie on Thursday 7th August against Parton United, kick off 6:30pm. The match is now to played away at Parton.
Reserves friendlies announced (Tue 29 Jul)
The Reds Reserves have arranged two friendlies prior to their Lancashire League opening fixture, away at Burscough on Wednesday 13th August.
The friendlies are away against Wigton on Saturday 2nd August, kick off 2:00pm and at home on Thursday 7th August against Parton United, kick off 6:30pm.
Reserve Team fixtures announced (Tue 22 July)
The new season fixtures for the Lancit Haulage Lancashire League have been released. The season opens for Reserve team with an away fixture at Burscough on Wednesday 13th August. The first home game is on Friday 22nd August against last season's second place team, Fleetwood Town, 8pm kick off.
Shirt sponsorship draw winner (Mon 21 Jul)
The winner of the Workington Reds Shirt Sponsorship draw for the 2008/09 season is Corus Process Engineering, Derwent Howe, Workington.
Runners-up in the draw include the GMB Union and Premier Storage Systems, Derwent Howe, Workington.
Former Reds director Gerard Redmond dies (Mon 21 Jul)
Former Reds' director GERARD REDMOND passed away on Friday 18th July, aged 78.
He was on the board for four full seasons between 1978 and 1982 before tendering his resignation on 30th September, 1982.
The funeral is to be held on Thursday 24th July at 12 noon, St.Begh's, Whitehaven.
Stranraer win Annan tournament (Sun 20 July)
Stranraer emerged as the Annan tournament winners after a comfortable
3 - 0 win over hosts Annan Athletic with goals form Martin McBride, Andrew Gibson (pen) and Craig Frizzell.
Workington finished 3rd after a similar 3 - 0 win over Spartans FC in the 3rd/4th place play-off game with goals from Graham Anthony, Lee Andrews and Dan Robinson. Reds were disappointed to lose the Saturday game on penalties to hosts Annan Athletic and not make the final.
Marksmen Dan Robinson, Graham Anthony and Lee Andrews.
Annan Athletic President Simon Aitken presents Graham Anthony with a commemorative memento.
A few new friends have been made at Annan over the weekend and Edinburgh side Spartans FC have offered to play us home and away next season in pre-season friendlies.
Friendly against Barrow back on (Sun 20 July)
Workington are to play Barrow in a pre-season friendly on Thursday 24th July, 7:45pm kick off. The game that was previously to be held on Saturday 2nd August was cancelled due to Barrow arranging a game against Accrington Stanley.
Reds claim the honours in historic first match (Sat 12 Jul)
Workington Reds opened the pre-season against the newly formed Gretna FC today. The Gretna squad had a familiar look to it with it featuring eleven former Reds Reserves players.
The Reds came out 5-0 winners with goals from Andrew Hardman, Jonny Wright, Dan Gullen and two from Craig Johnston. Full match report available here.
FA Youth Cup draw (Wed 09 Jul)
The Reds have been drawn at home to Ashton Town in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup which, this year, has attracted 476 entries.
The tie is to be played during week commencing 22nd September.
Workington Reds programmes (Tue 08 July)
Tom Allen's excellent internet site, Workington Reds Programmes has had a major update. Tom received a tremendous amount of help from an ex student of Tom's called Michael Trussell from Grimsby. The web site formed a major project for Michael's degree course. Tom is pleased to report that Michael has just been awarded a BA First class honours degree.
Michael was mentored by John Walsh and received assistance from a number of ex Reds players from their League days including Mike Commons and Peter Harburn.
The site contains a wealth of information on past Reds players and managers within a searchable encyclopedia from the club's league days, the Workipedia!
What Workington Reds Programmes website is all about is offering you the opportunity to bid on classic Workington Programmes. Any monies raised from auctions will be donated to Workington AFC.
Visit www.workingtonreds-programmes.co.uk
Setanta Shield Draw (Sat 05 Jul)
The draw to the Setanata Shield has taken place and the fixtures in the Northern Sections are as follows:
| Setanta Shield Draw - Northern Section |
1 | Hyde United | v | Vauxhall Motors |
2 | Droylsden | v | Gatehead |
3 | Stalybridge Celtic | v | Southport |
4 | Harrogate Town | v | Fleetwood Town |
5 | Farsley Celtic | v | Workington |
6 | Burscough | v | Blyth Spartans |
7 | Hucknall Town | v | Hinckley United |
8 | AFC Telford United | v | Gainsborough Trinity |
9 | Redditch United | v | Solihull Moors |
10 | Alfreton Town | v | Stafford Rangers |
11 | Kings Lynn | v | Tamworth |
The matches are to be played week commencing Monday 8th September.
Annan Athletic replace Gretna in SFL (Thu 03 Jul)
Annan Athletic have been admitted to the Scottish Football League after winning a vote to replace Gretna.
At a meeting at Hampden today the 29 SFL clubs voted for Annan Athletic being invited to compete in the Scottish Third Division.
The other clubs that had applied include Spartans, Edinburgh City, Preston Athletic and Cove Rangers.
Three rounds of voting were needed before Annan's place in the SFL was secured. With a minimum of 15 voted required, they polled 17 votes in the final round, with Cove Rangers their closest challengers with 12 votes.
One-time favourites Spartans dropped out of the running after the second round after amassing just six votes.
Annan chairman Henry McLelland said: "It's just sunk in but it's been a long time coming.
"We've not been working towards this for only a few months - we've been working for this since we played Stranraer in 1979.
"We have been rewarded for all our work since then."
Workington AFC will be playing Annan Athletic on the 19th July at the Annan Athletic four-team tournament.
FA competitions announced (Tue 01 Jul)
The early round fixtures of the four FA competitions have been announced today.
The FA Cup starts at the Extra preliminary Round on Saturday 16th August with 762 teams entered this year. The Reds enter at the Second Round Qualifying stage on Saturday 27th September.
The FA Trophy has 263 entries this year with the competition starting at the Preliminary Round on Saturday 4th October. The Reds enter at the Third Round Qualifying stage on Saturday 22nd November.
Ex-Blue Gray signs for Reds (Fri 27 Jun)
Reds have signed the vastly experienced 36 year old defender Kevin Gray.
The Sheffield born former Carlisle captain, who was with Chesterfield last season, lives in Carlisle and has plenty of league football experience also at Tranmere Rovers, Stockport County, Huddersfield Town and Mansfield Town.
A committed defender with a no-nonsense approach, who will always be in the thick of the action is commencing training with the Reds' squad on Saturday.
| | Joined | Left | Apps | Goals | Yellow | Red |
|
Chesterfield | 01.07.2007 | 30.06.2008 | 11 (5) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
|
Carlisle United | 25.11.2003 | 30.06.2007 | 106 (4) | 10 | 12 | 2 |
|
Tranmere Rovers | 01.07.2002 | 25.11.2003 | 15 (3) | 1 | 6 | 0 |
|
Stockport County | 04.08.2000 | 03.09.2000 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Loan |
Huddersfield Town | 18.07.1994 | 30.06.2002 | 78 (4) | 1 | 11 | 0 |
|
Journalist Gordon Brown dies (Fri 27 Jun)
The well known journalist Gordon Brown died late Wednesday evening at the age of 71 after losing his fight against cancer. Gordon, originally from Lancashire, worked in West Cumbria for 40 years, thirty years for the Whitehaven News and ten years as an independent reporter.
Gordon's first professional job was with the Warrington Guardian, though his career started at school writing match reports of his school team's games posted on the school notice board. These reports regularly featured lifelong friend Roger Hunt, one of England's 1966 World Cup winning heroes. Gordon claimed to have launched Roger's career through his school match reports!
Gordon was also a keen walker and cyclist. He had regular newspaper columns on these matters and also had a book published in 1994 titled '100 Lake District Walks'. He was also a very good table tennis player, up to league standard.
At the age of 70, Gordon cycled from his home in Whitehaven to the Farsley Celtic ground in Pudsey, Leeds - a distance of 125 miles to raise funds for Workington Reds.
(Gordon is pictured on the left at Farsley Celtic with the crystal bowl presented to him at half time by Reds fans for his achievement).
Gordon reported on football - Workington Reds reports for the Sunday Sun, rugby league - Whitehaven reports for the Rugby League Express and Workington Town reports for the Rugby League Weekly.
Gordon was a life long member of the National Union of Journalists and a keen church goer.
Gordon will be well remembered for turning up, for example, at Gainsborough Trinity mid week on his bike, having cycled there from the previous weekend's Reds game.
Gordon had, lifelong, an ability to laugh at himself and will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him.
Pre-season underway (Thu 26 Jun)
There was a twenty-strong turn out at Carlisle on Thursday as Reds' preparations for the new season got underway.
Boss Darren Edmondson supervised the session which consisted of two three mile runs and a gruelling circuit session. The toys (footballs) had been left at home but hints suggested they might make an appearance at the next session on Saturday morning.
Newcomer Dan Robinson (pictured) was introduced to his new team mates and fitted in well with the collection of jokers and impersonators - yes the banter was good.
Graham Anthony, Viv Busby and Anthony Wright (all on holiday) were the notable absentees.
Lancit Haulage Lancashire League AGM (Wed 25 Jun)
Reds' Reserves secretary/manager, Herbert Briggs, was re-presented with the Lancashire League West Division championship trophy during Tuesday evening's Annual General Meeting at Leyland, although there was a faux pas by the League chairman who offered congratulations to WORKINGTON TOWN!
Reds will again compete in the twelve team West Division which saw two new arrivals (Chorley and Clitheroe) and the departure of Kendal Town who were effectively thrown out of the League because of poor administration.
The Reserves' opponents this season, which starts on 16th August, will be Bamber Bridge, Barrow, Burscough, Chorley, Clitheroe, Darwen, Fleetwood Town, Formby, Lancaster City, Leigh RMI and Salford City.
The East Division lost one club (Emley) but gained four (Harrogate Railway, Pontefract Collieries, Thackley and Yorkshire Amateurs) and will operate with fourteen clubs - two more than the West section.
New Reserve team coach Adam Johnson (pictured) accompanied Mr Briggs to the meeting.
Adam has been out injured for the best part of a year - he last played for the Reserves in August last year - and is due to undergo surgery next month at a hospital in Oswestry. He is employed as a Sports Lecturer at the Newton Rigg college working alongside former Reds' defender John McNamee (junior) and ex. Carlisle United player Jeff Thorpe.
Annan tournament matches revised (Tue 24 Jun)
There has been a change of draw in the Annan Athletic tournament following Ebbsfleet United's withdrawal. The Blue Square Premier outfit have now cancelled their mini tour of Scotland, following changes at Board level, and are now heading for a similar break in the West Country.
Their replacement in the four team tournament will be East of Scotland outfit, Spartans (Edinburgh).
Reds will now play hosts, Annan Athletic, on the Saturday at noon with Stranraer playing Spartans at 3.15pm.
The two losers will play each other on the Sunday (noon) and the two winners will contest the Scottish Brewers Challenge Cup final at 3.15pm.
Berkeley joins the Bloods (Fri 20 Jun)
The club confirmed today that Manchester based forward Matthew Berkeley has joined Droylsden FC for the 2008/09 season. Matthew made a total of 40 appearance last season for the Reds in the league and cup scoring 11 goals, six in the league and 5 in the cup.
New Reserves' management team announced (Thu 19 Jun)
The Reds' board have appointed Herbert Briggs to the position of Reserve team manager, a position he previously held in the first season of the Reserves.
Supporting Herbert as coaches will be Adam Johnston and first team Assistant Manager Viv Busby. With Viv's involvement with the Reserves there is now a direct link to the senior side and the Reserves have been invited to train with the first team.
Pre-season training for the Reserves will commence next Thursday.
Fixture release date set (Thu 19 Jun)
The Football Conference has confirmed that the fixures for The Blue Square Premier, North & South will be released on Friday 4th July 2008.
Ex-Gretna forward Dan Robinson signs (Sat 14 Jun)
Darren Edmondson has made his first signing of the close season with the acquisition of 19 year old Penrith born forward Dan Robinson.
Dan was in Gretna's first team squad and made it onto the bench for a number of last season's Scottish Premier League games without making an appearance.
Dan is regarded as a promising young player, with pace, who can play up front our out wide.
Rome leaves for re-formed Gretna team (Thu 12 Jun)
Stuart Rome, Reds' Reserve team manager, has resigned to become the manager at a reformed Gretna football team. Stuart leaves the Reds with the best wishes of Reds' chairman Humprey Dobie and Reserves' secretary Herbert Briggs.
The Gretna Supporters Society are to reform a football team in Gretna after support for the proposal was shown at a meeting held on Wednesday 11th June. An Extraordinary General Meeting of the Gretna Supporters Society Trust board is to be held on the 2nd July. http://www.gretnasupporterssociety.co.uk/
Last season the Reserves won the Lancashire League title and lost in the final of the Lancashire League Cup to Farsley Celtic.
Blue Square North line-up finally confirmed (Thu 12 Jun)
Following the conclusion of the Boston United and Halifax Town appeals to the Football Association the line-up of the teams competing in the Blue Square North for the 2008/09 season can be confirmed.
The league line-up is as follows:
AFC Telford United
Alfreton Town
Blyth Spartans
Burscough
Droylsden
Farsley Celtic
Fleetwood Town
Gainsborough Trinity
Gateshead
Harrogate Town
Hinckley United
Hucknall Town
Hyde United
Kings Lynn
Redditch United
Solihull Moors
Southport
Stafford Rangers
Stalybridge Celtic
Tamworth
Vauxhall Motors
Workington
Boston United FA appeal fails (Thu 12 Jun)
Boston United have lost their appeal at the Football Association and have been demoted from Blue Square North. The Pilgrims had to wait until today for the decision after the the FA deferred the decision on Wednesday evening. Their appeal start was delayed by over running of the Halifax Town appeal that had been heard previous to the Pilgrims.
Pilgrims' Vice-chairman Neil Kempster confirmed just after 3pm that the Pilgrims had lost their appeal and would be relegated to the third tier of non-league football for the 2008-2009 season.
It is not known yet if Boston will play in the UniBond Premier League or the BGB Southern Premier League.
Halifax Town, currently in administration, also lost their appeal to the FA and have been deemed ineligible for the Conference leagues. The Shaymen's result was announced on Wednesday after a 4 and a half hour hearing. The Shaymen will probably play in Unibond League Division One North next season.
Annan tournament matches confirmed (Tue 10 Jun)
The teams competing in the Annan Athletic four team tournament held over the weekend of 19th/20th July have been confirmed as Annan Athletic, (East of Scotland Premier League), Stranraer FC, (Scottish Second Division), Ebbsfleet United, (Blue Square Premier) and Workington AFC, (Blue Square North).
The two winning teams from the opening two matches on the Saturday meet in the final, while the two losing teams play off for the third and fourth place. The 3rd/4th place play off and the final are played on the Sunday.
Sat 19 July Stranraer FC v Workington AFC 12:00 noon
Sat 19 July Annan Athletic v Ebbsfleet Utd 3:15 pm
Sun 20 July 3rd/4th place play-off 12:00 noon
Sun 20 July Tournament Final 3:15 pm
It is forty years since we last played Stranraer in a friendly with Reds winning 3-2 (away) on 3rd August, 1968.
Stranraer narrowly lost in the play-offs to Arbroath for promotion to the Scottish Second Division, but gained promotion following the demise of Gretna FC.
Conference AGM and Gala Dinner (Sun 08 Jun)
The Conference AGM and Gala Dinner was held at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool over the week-end.
The constitution of the league was ratified at the meeting but is subject to appeal as both Boston United and Halifax Town have taken their case to the FA (Wednesday).
At the moment, Blue Square North (22 clubs) has no place for Boston United and Nuneaton Borough with their replacements Vauxhall Motors (reprieve from relegation) and Redditch United (reverting to Blue Square North) respectively.
The newcomers for next season, therefore, will be Droylsden, Farsley Celtic, Fleetwood Town, Gateshead, King's Lynn (opponents of Reds for three seasons during the early eighties) and Stafford Rangers.
Reds' nearest opponents next season will be Gateshead (93 miles) and Blyth Spartans (102) with the longest trips - King's Lynn (258) and Hinckley United (236).
Directors Colin Doorbar and Jos Taylor, along with secretary Steve Durham, represented the club at the meeting and were seated between officials from Worcester City (switching to Blue Square South this term) and Wrexham (recently relegated from the Football League).
Award winners in Blue Square North:
Manager of the Year - Mark Cooper (Kettering Town).
Player of the Year - Steve McNulty (Barrow).
Top Goalscorer Award - Gareth Seddon (Hyde United).
Programme of the Year - Boston United.
Fairplay Award - Nuneaton Borough.
Former Reds' player, Mathew Henney, was named in the Blue Square North 'All Star' team.
Another ex. Reds' player with strong Barrow connections, Neil McDonald, was part of the eighteen strong Holker Street contingent celebrating their promotion via the play-offs.
Amongst the many guests were former England internationals Jimmy Armfield and Paul Parker (classy right full backs from different eras).
Highlights of the Gala Dinner will be shown on Setanta next Friday evening with Rebecca Lowe conducting the interviews.
Burton Albion (BSN) and Stevenage Borough (BSS) hosted the play-off finals last season but, in 2008-09, each final will be staged at the ground of the highest placed club.
Reds table - Barbara Durham, Jo McCall, Jos Taylor & Colin Doorbar.
Boston United's FA hearing date set (Fri 06 May)
The Football Association hearing, scheduled to consider Boston United’s appeal on expulsion from Blue Square North, will be held on Wednesday 11th June.
The Pilgrims face expulsion from Blue Square North for breaking administration rules. If the Pilgrims are thrown out of the league, it would be their third relegation in little over a year.
It is likely the club would be placed into the UniBond League Premier Division if their appeal fails. The venue and time of the hearing are still be arranged.
Annan Athletic tournament teams confirmed (Thu 05 May)
The teams competing in the Annan Athletic four team tournament held over the weekend of 19th/20th of July have been confirmed as Annan Athletic, (East of Scotland Premier League), Stranraer FC, (Scottish Second Division), Ebbsfleet United, (Blue Square Premier) and Workington AFC, (Blue Square North).
Ebbsfleet United, formerly known as Gravesend & Northfleet, are the current holders of the FA Trophy after their 1 - 0 win over Torquay United at Wembley on the 11th May.
Gretna's demise confirmed (Tue 03 May)
Gretna FC have resigned from the Scottish Football League. The club, which went into administration in March, had been relegated to Division Three of the Scottish Football League but today the league confirmed it had received the club's resignation from the Scottish Football League.
"I have this morning received intimation from the Gretna FC administrator of their resignation from the Scottish Football League with immediate effect," a league spokeman said.
"I have accepted this resignation on behalf of the Scottish Football League and accordingly, we now have a vacancy in the Third Division and are seeking applications."
Prospective new SFL sides have been set a deadline of June 12th to apply, with the management committee planning to visit applicants by June 27th. The remaining league clubs will be able to hear from prospective clubs on July 3, then will vote later that day on who to admit to Division Three.
East of Scotland sides Spartans and Annan are among the favourites to take over the vacant slot in Division Three.
Nuneaton Borough go into liquidation (Tue 03 May)
Nuneaton Borough have gone into liquidation. The news was finally announced at a specially convened press conference at the club's Liberty Way ground on Monday afternoon.
The Football Association will decide which league the club will be playing in next season, though it looks like Boro will be relegated two tiers into the Midlands Division of the Southern League.
Ellesmere Port side Vauxhall Motors will be spared from relegation to the Unibond League and remain in the Blue Square North.
Gretna FC face extinction (Sun 01 May)
Gretna FC will cease to exist tomorrow after the man who might have supplied the money for the one remaining bid to save the club confirmed that he had withdrawn his support.
"There is no bid," said football agent Scott Hume of Hume International agency in Glasgow. "The bottom line is that I knew where the money was coming from, because it would have been coming through me, and I can assure you that I am not spending any money. That is it – there is nothing from us."
This means that administrators Wilson Field of Sheffield must put the club into liquidation, perhaps as early as tomorrow. All staff and players have already been paid off and the club's Raydale Park is likely to be sold to meet debts reported to be around the £4m mark.
Pre-season tournament entry confirmed (Sun 25 May)
Workington AFC will be competing in the Annan Athletic four team tournament held over the weekend of 19th/20th of July. The other two side involved in the tournament are Stranraer and Morton. Each side will play two games over the weekend.
Annan currently play in the East of Scotland Premier League but have aspirations of gaining entry to the Scottish Football League. Stranraer are in the Scottish Third Division and narrowly lost in the play-offs to Arbroath for promotion to the Second Division, while Morton play in the Scottish First Division.
Nuneaton Borough to drop out of the Conference North (Sat 24 May)
Nuneaton Borough look like they will be forced to drop out of the Blue Square North next season. Director Ian Neale said after talks in Birmingham on Tuesday that the club would go into administration following a board meeting later this week, triggering the demotion. "As soon as we go into administration the Conference will automatically relegate us but we shall take our punishment and look to take the club forward from there. Once we are relegated and out of the Conference's jurisdiction we come under the Football Association and they will decide at what level we shall start the 2008-2009 season".
Boston United face relegation from Conference North (Wed 21 May)
Boston United have officially come out of their Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA). At a creditors' meeting in Leeds on Tuesday, those owed cash by the club agreed, by proxy vote, to accept a re-structured pay deal which will be lower than the original amount of 47 pence in the pound they expected to receive. This means creditors will now be paid off, leaving the club with minimal debts. However, because the CVA was changed, the Conference still have the power to dock United points or relegate them.
Boston United chairman David Newton said, "We are currently trying to resolve our league status for next season. The Football Conference maintain that we are in breach of their rules, which could lead to the expulsion of the club from The Conference. We are currently preparing an appeal, which will be submitted to The Football Association, and we are hopeful of a positive outcome."
Season ticket prices remain unchanged (Mon 19 May)
The season ticket prices for the 2008/09 season have been announced and remain unchanged from last season's prices. An adult season ticket costs £180 offering value for money as it equates to only £8.57 per match.
Information on all the season tickets available can be found in the Supporters Section of the website.
News on pre-season friendlies being organised (Sat 17 May)
Scottish Cup finalists Queen of the South have been invited to play at Borough Park in a pre-season friendly. The Dumfries side are set to play Rangers in the cup final on the 24th May.
The club has also received a request this week from Durham City to play a friendly at the Archibald Stadium. Durham City were promoted to the Unibond Division One North and there is a strong possibility that the invitation will be accepted.
Blue Square North 2008/09 line-up confirmed (Wed 14 May)
The league line-up for the 2008/09 season was confirmed by the League Committee today. With Halifax Town folding, Altrincham were reprieved from relegation from the Blue Square Premier league. The knock-on effect of this is that Hucknall Town were reprieved from relegation from Blue Square North.
Due to three northern sides being relegated from the Blue Square Premier a re-organisation of the teams in the Blue Square North and South leagues has been made. Worcester City and Redditch United have transferred to the Blue Square South league with King's Lynn joining the Reds in the Blue Square North after being promoted from the British Gas Southern Premier league. Fleetwood Town and Gateshead were promoted into the Blue Square North from the Unibond Premier League.
The complete line up of the Blue Square North for the 2008/09 season is:
AFC Telford United
Alfreton Town
Blyth Spartans
Boston United
Burscough
Droylsden
Farsley Celtic
Fleetwood Town
Gainsborough Trinity
Gateshead
Harrogate Town
Hinckley United
Hucknall Town
Hyde United
King's Lynn
Nuneaton Borough
Solihull Moors
Southport
Stafford Rangers
Stalybridge Celtic
Tamworth
Workington
Annual Presentation Night awards (Sat 10 May)
The annual presentation evening was held at the Waverley Hotel, Workington on Friday 9th May.
The evening was enjoyed by all those attending with awards presented to the Reserve Team and First Team players and additionally they were presented to individuals recognising the hard work and effort put into the club over a number of years.
Details of the award winners and photographs of the presentations can be found here, Presentation Night.
Gateshead promoted to Conference North (Mon 5 May)
Gateshead ensured they will play in the Conference North next season after their win yesterday over Buxton by two goals to nil in the Unibond Premier play-off final at the International Stadium.
Joining Gateshead from the Unibond Premier in the Conference North next season will be Fleetwood Town who secured the league title on the final day of the season. Fleetwood Town overtook Witton Albion at the top of the league with a draw against Frickley Athletic after Witton Albion lost their final league game to Worksop Town three nil at home.
It was the third consecutive season that Witton Albion have finished as Unibond Premier division runners-up and have failed to go up through the play-offs.
Reds Reserves are up for the Cup (Fri 2 May)
Having taken the Lancashire League in their final game of the season, Reds Reserves are now on for a league and cup double as they compete for the Lancashie League Cup tommorow against Farsley Celtic Reserves at Borough Park, (3:00pm kick off).
The Reserves completed a memorable season in the league winning seventeen and drawing one of their twenty league games. They also scored a very impressive total of seventy seven goals giving them a goal difference of +54.