Whitehaven AFC

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It's happened!!!!  A formal letter has been received by the club stating that the ground has passed its inspection for Northern League football with one or two minor improvements still to make !  This is a huge boost for the club as we endeavour to make ourselves the focal point for football development in West Cumbria.

Anyone following this thread will be aware of the great efforts that have been made to achieve this ambition, and also of the small matter of finishing in the top two of the Wearside League being required to ensure it happens.  Still, a pat on the back is due to all those who enabled this first stage to come to fruition off the pitch.  It's been hard work and the directors wish to thank those who have helped in any way.

The local Council have recognised the achievement of the club in winning the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup at the end of last season, and directors were on hand to receive the plaudits at a recent Council meeting.  The Council were briefly informed of other achievements of note over recent times, and of our ambitions for the future which include Northern League status. 

Update:

You may recall that Paul Nicholson had been selected for a Colleges Representative side to play Columbus Crew recently.  Unfortunately his side had several withdrawals from the original squad and they were beaten 6-0 which all agreed was an unfair scoreline on the night.  Paul played well in an unfamiliar centre half role, as opposed to his usual midfield position, and will return home shortly for the summer break.

We start our final run-in to the end of the season with 7 games still to play.  We can still win the league but it looks like New Marske would have to fall away pretty dramatically for us to do so, but stranger things have happened.  All we can do is continue gathering points to ensure we end up at least in second place.  To bolster the squad, especially if injuries come our way, Gary Wright, Stuart Shaw and Gareth Arnison are welcomed to the club.  All have previously represented us at some level and its great to have them back.  Also training after a serious injury is Gary Hewitt and we're delighted he's back in harness.  Too soon to say whether he'll figure in the final games or leave things till next season.

Sad to observe that Cleadon SC have folded and left the Wearside League, rumoured to be due to financial reasons.  Dougie Keys has been associated with them ever since I can remember, and it must be heartbreaking for him to admit defeat and pack it all in. He attended every game as manager/secretary/general dogsbody, and was well known to clubs in this league.  People like him are needed in the game, and the league is poorer for his absence. 

Bill Robson Jnr. is out of hospital, and can be seen jetting round the place on crutches. Unfortunately he missed the NL inspection, but he'll make up for that by making coffee's for us all during the working day.

Our ladies team seems to be coming good at the end of the season, and you can read about their recent successes elsewhere on the site.  Next year should see further improvement as they will have played together for over a season, and coaches Dave Moore and Geoff Nicholson are already plotting for next season.

Anyone with questions about the club which they would like answering, both serious and not-so-serious, may leave them with our directors or with the facilities manager Craig Lewis and we'll do our best to accomodate you. Please note, all such questions will be moderated.

This weeks burning question;

What happens if we don't get into the Northern League this season?

Quite simply we try again next season. Not only do we have to finish in the top two in the Wearside league, but the ground has certain specifications to meet, hence the inspection on Friday.  Unfortunately we were nowhere near being ready when we won the Wearside League in 2006, although we hoped for time to get the facilities up to scratch.  This wasn't to be. So if we don't get in this year, for whatever reason, we try again on and off the field to make sure we DO get promotion in 2009.  One thing's for sure, we'll have the best ground in the Wearside league bar none if we don't manage it this year !!!