News

Warrington Land Nelson

Warrington Town manager Ian Street has appointed the experienced former Leigh RMI manager Andy Nelson as his number two replacing Bob Howard who was finding it difficult to commit to his duties due to work commitments.

In addition to managing Leigh in both the National and North Divisions of that competition Nelson, who holds an UEFA "A" coaching licence, has coached at four full-time clubs and has also managed Trafford in the North West Counties League.

Sharp Returns To North Ferriby

Former North Ferriby United stalwart Paul Sharp has returned to the club as goalkeeping coach to replace Karl Leneghan who stepped down in the close season due to work commitments.

Sharp made a club record 497 appearances for Ferriby including a Wembley appearance in the 1997 FA Vase Final before losing his place to current custodian Anthony Pecora after suffering an injury.

Manager Neil Parsley said "Paul's return to the club in this capacity also gives us the added bonus of an extremely capable and very experienced back up to our current 'keeper".

Toronczak Signs For Belper

Danny Toronczak, one of the First Division's most prolific strikers in the past couple of seasons, has left Ossett Albion to sign a one year contract with Belper Town.

He signed for Albion in August 2001 and in his six years at Dimple Wells he banged in 143 goals. He has also played for Liversedge, Ashton United, Guiseley and Thackley.

Whitby Sign Hackworth

Whitby Town boss Lee Nogan has beaten off some stern opposition to sign former Leeds United striker and England Youth international Tony Hackworth following the demise of Scarborough.

Although he didn't make the first team at Elland Road his move in 2001 to Notts County cost the "Magpies" a six figure fee and he became a regular at Meadow Lane before moving to Scarborough in 2004.

Whitby, however, were dealt a blow when striker Tommy Raw broke both his fibia and tibia in a pre-season friendly at Ashington.

The 23 year old, who scored 13 goals last season for his hometown club, is expected to be out of action for up to eighteen months after having plates and pins inserted in to his leg.

Gresley Buy Their Ground

Gresley Rovers Chairman Mark Evans was cock-a-hoop this summer after the club bought the freehold of their Moat Ground from brewers Mitchell & Butler for just £69,000 with virtually all the money provided courtesy of a grant from the South Derbyshire District Council.

Rovers ran in to financial difficulties last season and fell behind in payment of player's wages but that problem is now expected to be rectified with the club able to raise finance against the ground.

Evans said: "The fact that we now own the ground will significantly help the club financially in that we now have an asset we can use.

We do have a grander plan long term and we will eventually look to move to a new ground and develop further our community links but the first thing is to take stock of the fact that we now own our ground and prepare for the new season".

Fleewood Announce Plans To Develop Ground

Fleetwood Town have announced ambitious plans to redevelop their Highbury Stadium over the next two to three years that will see the ground become one of the best outside the full-time game whilst at the same time regenerating the surrounding area near the facility.

Having completed the Percy Ronson Stand last season the club now plans to build two new covered terraces of a similar design on the North and West sides of the ground whilst the centre piece will be a 1,000 seater stand on the East side that will boast many innovative features.

The development will free up land within the stadium to provide 100 extra car parking spaces thus relieving local residents of some of the problem of car parking on match days.

The proposed scheme is expected to cost in the region of some £2m and whilst formal planning permission has not yet been applied for the club has worked closely with the Local Authority in preparing the initial design.

Frickley Summer Set Backs

After suffering from three break-ins during the summer which has cost them approaching £4,000 to repair the damage to the clubhouse, club shop and facilities under the main stand Frickley Athletic have been hit by the devastating news that their main sponsor GMB Union have decided not to renew their sponsorship which was worth around £12,000 to the South Elmshall club.

Grantham's Bergara Dies

Danny Bergara, Grantham Town's first ever full time manager, has died aged 65.

The Uruguayan won two Championships in Spain with Seville where he was leading scorer for four seasons and he went on to manage Middlesbrough, Rochdale and Stockport County as well as the Brunei international team and England's Under 18's and Under 20's with whom he added a World Youth Cup win to his name.