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Formed 1889 14/05/2006 - North Shields - Wilf Keilty's testimonial year updateThere have been various fund raising activities during the season and a fantastic total of £10,000 was raised, which will be equally shared between Wilf's four designated charities, Cancer Research UK, Meningitis Research Foundation , British Heart Foundation and RNLI. The Grand Finale Event has been organised for Wednesday 17th May at the Hyena Comedy Club, Newcastle (7:30pm through to 11pm). Tickets are £2.50, and includes an auction of football memorabilia, quiz and stand up bingo. Guest appearances from Malcolm MacDonald and Eric Gates. Tickets are available from Jean Wood 07790 492920 or Val Forster 07966 126651. 18/04/2006 - Press releaseThornaby FC will be relegated from the Arngrove Northern League first division at the end of the season, regardless of their finishing position. The ANL management committee decided at its meeting on April 13 that the club's Teesdale Park ground posed unacceptable health, safety and hygiene risks and failed to meet nationally agreed ground criteria in several respects. The club has also been warned that a further formal inspection will take place at the end of March 2007, with the possibility of enforced relegation from the second division unless substantial improvements have been made. Thornaby FC have indicated that they have plans for a major redevelopment of the ground. Thornaby's relegation means that only two other clubs, Esh Winning and Brandon, will be relegated. ANL chairman Mike Amos said that the management committee wanted to send a clear message that failure to meet ground criteria wouldn't be tolerated. “We have to take firm action for the sake of all those clubs, and all those volunteers, who work so hard to keep their grounds respectable. There have been more complaints about Thornaby than any other Northern League ground in memory.” Following recent inspections, the ANL management committee also confirmed that Team Northumbria from the Northern Alliance will be promoted to the ANL second division if in a top two position at the end of the season, but that Birtley and Whitehaven of the Wearside League failed to meet the nationally agreed ground criteria. As a result, only one club will be relegated from the second division. 12/04/2006 - Scottish Cup Final2 x 49 seater executive coaches have been arranged for those wishing to go to Hampden Park, Glasgow on Saturday 13th May 2006. At the moment, the two buses are following routes with stop off points. (These may be amended depending on the response and the area of those wanting to attend the Cup Final). The cost will be £47 per person, which includes coach travel, (£12), and a ticket to the game (all priced at £35). There will be no concessions to either charge. Please note that the tickets will be in the area allocated for Gretna supporters. It is now enforced on the coach companies, that they are not allowed to arrive at the stadium until two hours before the kick off time. So it is intended to arrive at about 1 pm, and therefore the coaches will leave at approximately 9am. The times for the meeting places will be advised at a later time. Likewise it is intended to leave Glasgow immediately following the game and presentations. Coach 1 - Departs Darlington with intended stop off points at Durham City Football Ground and then Dunston Federation. Coach 2 - Departs Billingham Synthonia with two stop off points on or near the A19. Suggestions are Seaham Red Star and Jarrow Roofing. For further information, contact Harvey Harris on 01325 269325 or via e-mail hrvyhrrs@yahoo.co.uk. Anyone wanting to book a reservation should send a cheque for £47 per person, made payable to Northern Football League. Send to 3 Rossway, Barmpton Park, Darlington. Co. Durham DL1 3RD. It will be first come, first served. 09/04/2006 - Arngrove League Cup finalThe final between Newcastle Blue Star and Dunston Fed., will take place at the Archibold Stadium, Durham on Friday 6th May, with a 7pm kick off. 09/04/2006 - Promotion from the Feeder leagues updateGround inspections have taken place at Team Northumbria, Whitehaven Amateurs and Birtley. The League is due to make a final decision about the promotion seeking clubs at Thursday's meeting. 30/03/2006 - North Shields DVD'sNorth Shields have produced the following DVD's of games this season:
The cost is £3 each for Northern League games and £5 for FA games. Contact Craig McVay at North Shields games, or email him at craig.mcvay@blueyonder.co.uk or telephone (0191) 258 09 22. 08/03/2006 - Promotion from the Wearside League The ANL has been informed by the FA that they must accept applications from the Wearside League (see news item dated 23/12/05). Mike Appleby, who is in charge of the national non league system said, "The issue was referred to the FA's national leagues committee, and they have decided that the Northern League must accept the applications." This means that the ANL will carry out ground inspections at Birtley, Willington and Whitehaven. 08/03/2006 - Bishop Auckland to return to the Northern League? The FA have confirmed that Bishop Auckland will be relegated to the Northern League at the end of the season if they finish in the bottom two of the Unibond first division. However, there is still a hope that Bishops can avoid the drop. 22/02/2006 - Promotion to the Unibond Durham City have withdrawn their application for promotion to the Unibond. 08/02/2006 - South Shields to continueFollowing a meeting last night, South Shields FC are to carry on as a Club in the Arngrove Northern League Second Division. To assist the people concerned the League's Chairman and Secretary have agreed to postpone Saturday's fixture with Washington and expect the Club to meet the remaining fixtures for the rest of the season. 05/02/2006 - South Shields to fold?The future of South Shields looks in doubt following the postponement of their game against Alnwick on Saturday. The Club has recently been fined by the Northern League Management Committee, and deducted 3 points for fielding an ineligible player. Shields have had three managers this season and two secretaries. 21/01/2006 - Penrith rename their ground Penrith have a new 18 month sponsorship deal which will see their Southend Road ground renamed the World Group Stadium. The four figure deal with home improvement firm, World Group of Carlisle, will also include some upgrading of the ground, which has been Penrith's home since 1894. 14/01/2006 - Steve Tierney Benefit MatchClick here for details of the benefit match to be played for Steve Tierney on 21st February. 23/12/2005 - Steve Tierney AwardHorden are providing an award at the end of season Presentation Dinner, in memory of their late keeper, Steve Tierney. The award will be presented to the team who keeps the most clean sheets in a season. 23/12/2005 - Promotion from the Feeder LeaguesNotification has been received from the Northern Alliance, that two teams will be seeking promotion to Northern League Division Two next season, subject to League placing and ground grading criteria. The teams are Easington Colliery, who were relegated at the end of last season, and Team Northumbria. Wearside League clubs, Birtley Town, Willington and Whitehaven have also indicated that they seek promotion to the Northern League next season. However, the applications were received after the deadline of the end of November. After FA advice, and according to the procedure in practice at the moment, the Northern League have said that they will not accept the applications. 02/11/2005 - Promotion to the Unibond Durham City have applied for promotion to the Unibond 1st Division, subject to League placing at the end of the season. 12/08/2005 - The man in the middle - updateFour months after a road accident which threatened to end his career, Russell Tiffin, will once again be officiating in the Northern League. "I've had to work really hard. I even ran throughout my holidays instead of going to the pub", says Russell. The Northern Echo - Local
Heroes section.
Ryton Football Club are due to play Scarborough, at home, in the F.A.Youth Cup and are currently seeking to appoint
a Team Manager to take full responsibility for their under 19's Youth Side.
Anyone interested in applying for the position please contact Mr. Richard Hand
on telephone number 01661 833846. Ryton are also looking to appoint a Programme Editor to take full responsibility for the compilation of all Match
Day Programmes. Anyone interested in applying for this position, please contact Ken Rodger,
telephone numbers 0191 2677919 (Home) / 07906 138 571 (Mobile). This year is Wilf Keilty’s testimonial year, marking a personal achievement of 30 years dedicated
to local football, as player, player coach and now Manager. In keeping with football tradition, North Shield’s FC offered to hold a testimonial football
match as a reward for his years of dedication, however Wilf has elected to donate any money raised for well deserving charities rather than accept any
personal reimbursement from the club. Rather than have just one event, the Club are holding a number of events throughout the year to raise money for these four charities that are close to
his heart. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and the Meningitis Research Foundation. All four charities have been contacted and have agreed to lend their support throughout
this fundraising year and have given us approval to use their registered charity logos. To this end, there are a series of events including raffles, auctions, quiz
nights, golf tournaments etc.: For tickets and information on any of the above events, contact Jean Wood 07790 492920 or Val Forster 07966 126651 Newcastle Blue Star were rocked this morning when informed of the death of
director Derek Sayers Snr. Derek was the longest serving member of the club in
total nearly 50 years. It will leave a great void to fill, as it was Derek up until the last two
years who nurtured the pitch at the Wheatsheaf Ground and also acted as club
physio, this was acknowledged two years back when being awarded 3rd prize in
the Leagues unsung hero awards. Derek now joins, Lenny Cheetham and Bill Dryden all of whom were with the
club to enjoy their greatest achievement to date - 1978 FA Vase win.
God Bless you Derek. RIP 5th June 2005. David Eastman (Newcastle Blue Star) Revitalised Spennymoor are to rejoin the Northern League after a 15 year absence next month - after
Evenwood and the Moors formed a new club. The two groups who have been working to revive Spennymoor have joined forces and a new club, which they hope to call AFC
Spennymoor United, will play in the Northern League second division. Ken Houlahan, spokesman, said
"The plan is for Evenwood to move their registered home ground to
Spennymoor, and then change the name. We've held talks with the Supporters
Trust and they're in favour." The consortium intend to build
new training facilities in Middlestone Moor and refurbish the Brewery
Field. The Northern League is in favour of the new club and chairman Mike
Amos said, "It's sad that a lot of Northern League history is ending in
Evenwood, but it's nice that a piece of history will return. The new club
will be a breath of fresh air for the town and our second division." The old Spennymoor United were
officially expelled from the Unibond League at a meeting in Manchester.
Only one club voted to keep them in the League. Weeks after taking charge of his 400th Northern League match,
referee Russell Tiffin,
is recovering from an horrific car crash and wondering if he'll ever officiate again. Russell, 45, broke two
vertebrae and two ribs, twisted his sternum and suffered whiplash and "a
few other bits and pieces" after the accident between Durham and Sacriston.
After a week in hospital, Russell is now back home. Another hospital visit
in June may determine if he'll return to the game. The Northern Echo - Local
Heroes section.
Horden Parish Council have decided that the football grandstand in Welfare Park should be dedicated to any sports personality whose
roots were in the village. The people of Horden were invited to nominate the local person or persons who should be honoured. On Wednesday 26th January 2005 they announced that the main
area would be known as the Horden C.W. Grandstand. As there are three seating
areas they would be named after BOBBY NAISBETT a local boxer, STAN ANDERSON, who
was born and grew up in the village and although he never actually played for
Horden, was the only man to captain each of the North’s big three football
teams. The third area will be named after BOB & SYLVIA WOOD. Sylvia has been
a supporter since schooldays and Bob has had close connections with Horden
football since their marriage. Bob is 73, Sylvia is 68 and they are both still
active in their efforts to support Horden C.W. Bob is vice chairman of the club
where his knowledge of non-league football rules etc is legendary and anyone who
comes to a match will know Sylvia. She takes the admission money, sells raffle
tickets, prints and sells the programmes and after half time can usually be
found helping in the kitchen. Incidentally the award was made public on the day
of their 42nd wedding anniversary. On Sunday 1st May the dedication ceremony will take place at 12
noon followed by a charity football match between Horden C.W. A.F.C., who play
in the Albany Northern League, and the Micky Horswill All Stars. Among the
celebrity/veteran players who have agreed to play are, from Newcastle, Kevin
Scott, Alan Shoulder, and John Anderson. From Middlesbrough Jim Platt, Terry
Cochrane, Bernie Slaven, and John Hendrie. Mick Tait will represent Darlington
and finally from Sunderland are Martin Gray, Brian Atkinson, Gary Bennett, Barry
Dunn, Paul Atkinson and of course Micky Horswill. The match will kick off at
1-00pm and there will be plenty of attractions for all the family. The St. John
Ambulance will benefit from the events of the day. N.B. Both Bob and Sylvia
Wood are Northern League Club members.
Referee Russell Tiffin takes charge of his 400th Northern League game on Monday
March 14th - an all time record, which League officials believe, will never be
beaten. The milestone match is at
Newcastle Blue Star - where he also referred his very first Northern League
game, on August 17th 1985, after two years as a linesman. In total he has
refereed almost 1,750 football matches. Coincidentally, it was also
Blue Star's first Northern League match - they beat Darlington Reserves 7-0 at
the start of a season in which they were to lose just once in 38 games. He
hopes to remain an ANL referee for at least one more season. Russell, 45, lives in
Houghton-le-Spring, has also been a Football League assistant referee for 14
years and has been an assistant in the LD Vans final at the Millennium
Stadium. A former farmer, he now works with people with learning
difficulties. The great thing about the ANL,
he says, is the banter - "before, during and after the game" - the
worst thing the sarcastic spectator "who's the best ref there ever was from
the other side of the barrier". Albany Northern League
president George Courtney, MBE, a former FIFA referee, will make a presentation
to Russell before the second division match against Willington, on March
14th. Since Russell now referees in the ANL first division, FA permission
had to be sought so that he could return to where it all began.
Following a meeting between Ian McCormick (Coal Board), Barry
Sygmuta (Match Referee) & the Club, authority has been granted for Tow Law
Town AFC to resume home fixtures on Saturday 22/1/05 against Chester-le-Street
(3pm kick off). This folllows a period when the ground could not be used,
after being struck by subsidence on 22/9/04. The Club wish to thank The Coal Board & The Albany
Northern League for their support during this difficult time & extend a
welcome to all supporters for the forthcoming fixtures. Steve Moralee (Tow Law Town) The world's second oldest
football league will be known as the Arngrove Northern League from next season -
but still, perpetually sponsored by the uniquely generous Brooks Mileson and his
businesses. The name change follows the £46m sell-off of two major
companies in the Albany Group. The League sponsorship began in
1997 as the Arnott Insurance Northern League, changing to Albany four years ago. The Albany Northern League will not be promoting any clubs
to the Unibond League at the end of the season. The 1st of December
deadline passed without any club stating their intention to move up the
ladder. Whitby Town were the last club to be promoted seven years ago. Northern Alliance teams - Ryton,
Team Northumbria and Murton - and Wearside League team, Darlington RA, have all
applied to join the Northern League. They will have to finish in a
promotion spot and their grounds must reach the required standard.
Offensive language at football matches is to be tackled fair and square in a new
initiative by Albany Northern League clubs. At the League's annual meeting on
Saturday June 5, all but three of the 41 clubs signed a voluntary declaration committing
themselves to a firm stand against gratuitously foul language.
The league and its clubs have acted amid concerns that the Football Association and match
referees are turning both deaf ear and blind eye to the growing problem -
chiefly prevalent among players and dugout personnel, not spectators.
Posters and literature supporting the campaign will appear in dressing rooms, dug-outs
and clubhouses before season 2004-05 kicks off.
"If no one else is willing to act against the curse of foul language then we have to try
to do it ourselves,” said League chairman Mike Amos. "It's not just a man's game
and there's nothing manly, about swearing. We have to make a stand against the
undisciplined yobs who are driving decent people away."
"The willingness of the vast majority, of clubs to sign a voluntary' charter indicates the
determination once and for all to stamp out the problem."
The declaration commits each club to "strong action" against offensive language at its matches.
At least two have
already introduced their own disciplinary code, threatening suspension from the club against players and
team officials who persistently use bad language.
Though the laws of the game state clearly that players who use "offensive, insulting or
abusive language" should be sent off, the FA's top refereeing official has said
that it can be "managed out" by referees. Many referees and assistant
referees now seem to take the view that unless the offensive language is used
about them, and directly to their face from two feet, then it becomes acceptable.
Amos told the annual meeting of a match over Easter at which the unchecked level of
offensive language had been the main talking point. At the railway station
afterwards, the train remained motionless while the conductress "a lass about
5ft 2ins tall" - berated five or six alcohol affected youths whose language had become unacceptable to others on the
train.
The train would go nowhere, she said, if their swearing continued. After about five
minutes they, subsided, apart from a few embarrassed giggles, into silence for
the rest of the journey.
"That tiny woman train guard put 95 per cent of our match officials to shame," said
Amos. “Leagues aren't allowed to instruct referees on the laws of the game, but
we shall be advising them of our stance and asking for their support."
"There are heat of the moment occasions when some swearing might be
understandable. We are
talking about gratuitously, offensive language clearly, audible 100 yards away".
If used in the street the perpetrators would be arrested. Why it should be
acceptable on the football field where spectators pay, to be entertained, not
offended.
"The Northern League has had previous initiatives against swearing which clearly, haven't
been successful. The difference about this one is that it has the willing and
enthusiastic backing of all but three of our clubs. It is up to them now to
make their people aware that gratuitously, offensive language simply won't be
tolerated."
"We want to make football a family game once more."
Former Northern League club, North Shields, clinched promotion to the Albany
Northern League, by winning 2-0 at Windscale.
With five games left West Allotment Celtic claimed the Northern Alliance Premier Division title on Saturday and their promotion to the Albany Northern League should now be assured. On the 8th April, (note the
change of date), Brett
Cummings will be having his testimonial match, for ten years service to
Willington. Kick off is 7:15pm, against an Alan Shoulder All Star Ex-Pro
XI. The entrance fee is £2. Bobby Robson will be the guest
at Willington's talk-in at the Kensington Hall Hotel, Willington, on the 1st
April at 8pm. Tickets are £10, including a buffet. Further details about both
events can be found at
Willington's web site www.willingtonafc.co.uk. Four Northern League clubs have
expressed an interest in promotion to the Unibond League - Billingham Town,
Jarrow Roofing, Whitley Bay and Horden C.W.
On Thursday 23th October, the Chairman, Management and Players of
Shildon FC are hotly anticipating a visit from The FA Cup at a media briefing
organised by The FA, to ensure the club enjoy their status as TheFA.com’s featured
team in the world’s most famous cup competition.
TheFA.com is the official website of The Football Association, and as 64 clubs gear up
their preparations for this Saturday’s FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying ties, the
spotlight falls on Shildon who play host to UniBond Division One side
Stocksbridge Park Steels from Sheffield.
Shildon defeated Shirebrook Town 3-1 in the previous round and now stand one game away
from the First Round Proper.
A win on Saturday would also net the club an additional £10,000 from The FA Cup
prize fund, on top of the £12,000 already earned after earlier victories over
Workington, Durham City and Frickley Athletic.
Whilst the club will be hoping the visit of The FA Cup brings them some good luck,
local schoolchildren will also be given the chance to have their photos taken
with the cup, alongside players who will be hoping to fire Shildon into the
First Round Proper for the first time in 42 years.
Manager Ray Gowan, the Chairman and players from Shildon FC will be available for interview and a
photo-shoot between 3.00-5.00pm Tow Low Town will create a new
League record for the number of games played in the Northern League next
Saturday, 25th, when they play host to Bedlington Terriers. The previous
record of 2,562 games, was held by South Bank. The League is to make a
presentation to the club.
Click on the link below to access the pages: Northern League clubs must
inform the League by 24th October, if they wish to apply for promotion
to the Unibond League, at the end of the season. There is a part of the
restructuring taking place at the Unibond level and above. A milestone was reached in the
game between Tow Law Town and Horden C.W. Andy McKenna's 33rd
minute goal was the 5,000th league goal which Tow Law had scored since they
joined the league in 1920.
Click on the link below to access the pages: Arguably the biggest news of the
night at the Northern League dinner last Friday, came in a speech by Brooks
Mileson, who is the chairman of our sponsors Albany. He used his speech
in responding on behalf of the guests to announce that he was currently
making arrangements to continue the sponsorship of the League in
perpetuity, and for it to be continued on by his sons, in the form of a
trust. Brooks has been a
wonderful sponsor of the League, and we are truly fortunate to have
such an arrangement, which is probably unique in non-league football. The
news was received with a standing ovation. It will secure the
future of the League for many years to come. The Northern Echo newspaper covered the story this
morning:
A millionaire has stunned one of the world's oldest football leagues by
revising his will to guarantee it will be financially secure long after he is
dead. Officials of The Northern League thought they were dreaming when self-made
entrepreneur Brooks Mileson got to his feet at their annual dinner and announced
the unique sponsorship deal. Former four-minute miler Mr Mileson, owner of the Albany Group, had kept his
plan secret. It means the league - formed in 1889 and the second oldest in the world -
will not only be sponsored for the rest of his life but throughout his sons'
lives by way of a trust. The deal, unveiled at the league's annual dinner at Ramside Hall, near
Durham, could be worth several million pounds because it will provide at least
£35,000 annually for many years to come. Albany, formerly Arnott Insurance, has sponsored the league since
Sunderland-born Mr Mileson watched Whitby win the FA Vase in 1997. "I love The Northern League, and what it stands for," said Mr Mileson, who
was given a standing ovation by 200 dinner guests. "I've always supported local football. Ever since I went to the FA Vase final
with Whitby when they were a Northern League club six years ago, I have felt
real football emotion. That day with Whitby was so emotional, and ever since
then I've loved The Northern League. "Doing this with The Northern League sponsorship is my way of putting
something back into the game. Not only is The Northern League provided for in my lifetime, but also during
the lifetime of my sons as well." League chairman Mike Amos, who had no inkling of Mr Mileson's announcement,
said: "What a magnificent gesture - it must be unique not just in non-league
football, but in football in general. It means that the league is completely secure in terms of sponsorship for
many years to come. It is quite the most wonderful thing that's ever happened.
I've still got the original agreement, which was written on the back of a
fag packet." Northern League Club member and
Chester-Le-Street's, Keith Greener, has compiled information regarding Northern
League teams and results since the League's formation. For those
of you who are NL Club members, and received Northern Wisdom newsletter 2
earlier this season, will have seen a sample of Keith's fascinating records.
Keith has provided a number of pages, which have been included on the site,
which show:
Click on the link below to access the pages:
The membership of the Northern League club has reached record levels. The club, formed only five years ago, has a growing membership from all parts
of the UK and abroad, and just two months into the season already has over 250
members, a record. Co-organiser Martin Haworth said: "I've been lucky in that after the initial
promotion drive, the club has sold itself. Either by word of mouth, or by one of
a few people who promote the club with almost missionary-like zeal. "While the majority of our membership is from the North-East, it is by no
means exclusively so. We have a few from the Edinburgh area who as a result are
making regular trips to our grounds as they feel the atmosphere and friendliness
is far superior to that at home. There are also people who used to live in the
north east and want to keep in touch with what is going on. "We also have members in Canada, Germany, Italy, Australia and the former
Soviet Union. One chap was desperate to join, but due to certain financial
restrictions in his country, was not allowed to send out currency. He paid his
membership in football souvenirs. "The Club has a website, on which we publish fixtures, results, latest news,
features and have a photo gallery. My wife, Denise, and I have put up photos of
old grounds, and we got a message from an ex-pat, living in America, saying that
he'd just spent two hours poring over the photos of old grounds he knew." League chairman Mike Amos said: "The club exists to keep people in touch with
the league, but without the help of Martin and Denise, then it wouldn't be the success it is." Subscription to the Northern League club is £10, and details are from Martin
at 17 The Turn, Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2DU. The Northern Echo - Local Heroes section Although not strictly a new
book, Penrith brought out a book in 1994 to celebrate 100 years of the club that year. The author, John Hurst,
reported on many of Penrith's games in his career with the Cumberland newspaper Cumberland and Westmorland Herald. The book is available from Penrith Football Club, priced £5.00 plus
posting and package. The story of Crook Town has been published
in 2002 by three of the club's most ardent supporters - John
Phelan, Michael Manual and Alan Stewart. The club was formed in 1889 - and the book is a season by season account of the club's fortunes since then. Available now from Michael
Manuel, 43 Gladstone Street, Crook, County Durham, DL15 9EB. The cost is
£6.49, including postage. Please make cheques payable to 'Friends of
Crook Town FC'. Just published, is the book We just love football. It is the football memories of 23 local football
personalities. Compiled by BBC Radio Newcastle's non-league reporters - Barry Hindson and Paul Dixon - it reports on the careers and stories of some
of the biggest names in the game in the region. Names include, Colin Richardson, Dean Gibb, Billy Cruddas, Peter Feenan, Vin Pearson and many more. The book is available
at £9.99 from Waterstones and WH Smith's in Newcastle and the MetroCentre, and Hill's in Sunderland. Alternatively, direct from the publishers,
TUPS, The Old Mill, 30 Lime Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ. Add £1.25 to the cost for post and packing. |
