| Teams | Glasshoughton Welfare | Season 2007/08

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Berry Parts Company With Glasshoughton

3rd February, 2008

Ashley Berry has left his coaching role at the NCEL Premier Division's bottom side Glasshoughton Welfare after less than four weeks at Leeds Road.

According to the club, the experienced ex-Bridlington Town manager quit late on Friday after a disagreement over team selection with boss, Dave Holmes.

Berry had been assisting Holmes in Glasshoughton's fight to progress from the foot of the Premier League for the last month.

However, since his arrival the club had suffered three league defeats and elimination from the League Cup.

A statement from the club said: "Berry had introduced several new faces into the club but their presence has had minimal impact and, in Holmes view, was possibly hindering the progress of some of the club's players from the junior ranks.

"The disruption resulted in a very minimal squad travelling to high-flying Glapwell on Saturday as several players chose to follow Berry out of the club.

"But the performance by Glasshoughton was outstanding as the patched-up team, with goalkeeper Matty Wright filling-in at centre forward, gained a creditable point in a 1-1 draw and perhaps commenced a late charge up the table."

(Story Source: Glasshoughton Welfare)

Welfare Act To Ease Relegation Fears

7th January, 2008

Glasshoughton Welfare have strengthened their management team after finding themselves five points adrift at the bottom of the Premier Division.

With their heavy defeat at Selby on Saturday and the run of poor results recently plunging them deep into relegation problems, Glasshoughton have made the move to improve their situation.

Manager, Dave Holmes, has persuaded the ex number two at Bridlington Town, Ashley Berry, to join him as Assistant Manager.

He will be at tomorrow night's Premier Division match at Thackley.

Ashley is on the Academy staff at Huddersfield Town and will bring a wealth of non-league experience and contacts into the club.

Glasshoughton are eight points from safety and must turn things around in their busy January programme which sees them play six vital games.

The new committee has managed to put the once ailing club on a much firmer financial footing and all the junior sections of the club are enjoying success.

Director of Football, Ray Gowan, said: "The club is now in a strong administrative position and will in future be challenging at the other end of the league.

"We cannot afford to waste time by getting relegated this season and will do everything in our power to alleviate the current situation.

"Dave Holmes has worked manfully under difficult circumstances and is slowly turning things around.

"He will get 100% backing from me and the rest of the committee and Ashley Berry is a key piece in the jigsaw."

(Story Source: Glasshoughton Welfare)

Welfare In 'Battle Of The Sports'

5th December, 2007

Glasshoughton Welfare will be taking on the town's Superleague rugby side in a charity football match this weekend.

Having regained their top-flight status at the first attempt, the Castleford Tigers have agreed to accept a challenge from Welfare to take part in the round ball contest as part of their pre-season preparation.

It will take place at Welfare's Leeds Road ground on Sunday the 9th of December with an 11.30am start.

The two clubs represent the premier rugby league and football teams in the town but there the similarities end.

Castleford's top class rugby league side will take on Glasshoughton's NCEL Premier Division outfit with the proceeds being shared between the youth development plans of the football club and local charities.

The Tigers frequently use some of the facilities at Glasshoughton's Diggerland Stadium for training purposes and have struck up a close relationship with their neighbours.

They are very aware of their responsibilities within the local community and are pleased to assist in many areas wherever possible.

Welfare are hoping that local interest in this unique event will interest sufficient people to set a new record attendance at Leeds Road.

(Story Source: Glasshoughton Welfare)

Welfare Unveil New Boss

10th September, 2007

Glasshoughton Welfare have moved swiftly to appoint a new Manager to replace Tim Hope who resigned last week.

The new man is Dave Holmes who has had previous management at Garforth Town prior to Simon Clifford taking over the club.

He has been a coach at Glasshoughton from the start of this season.

Dave's first priority is to take Glasshoughton away from the bottom of the table following their disastrous start to the season.

He realises that some fresh faces are needed at Leeds Road to supplement the under performing existing squad.

These new faces will be a combination of new signings and promotion from within the junior ranks of the club's promising Under 19 squad.

Glasshoughton have a bye into the second round proper of the Vase following their success in the competition last season and Dave hopes to have a strong squad to mount another challenge when they enter the fray on the 17th of November.

(Story Source: Glasshoughton Welfare)

Welfare Part Company With Hope

4th September, 2007

Following a poor start to the season, Tim Hope has resigned as Team Manager of Glasshoughton Welfare.

A statement from the Leeds Road outfit, who are currently next-to-bottom in the Premier Division, says: "The Club is sorry to lose Tim who was selected in the summer from an impressive list of applicants.

"Tim has decided to take this decision after a poor run of results which has seen only one win and one draw from seven matches including elimination from the FA Cup in a replay at Liversedge.

"The Club wishes Tim every success in the future and thanks him most sincerely for his dedication and hard work."

Hope added: "I am a proud man and have been unable to motivate the team to perform to an acceptable level. I am resigning now to enable my successor to have the time to turn things around."

Glasshoughton will now be seeking a replacement.

There may be some candidates within the present coaching staff but they also invite any interested parties to contact Director of Football, Ray Gowan, on 07968 706425.

Ideally, candidates should have experience at this level of football or above and be well connected in local football circles.

(Story Source: Glasshoughton Welfare)

Grobbelaar Commits To Welfare

24th July, 2007

Glasshoughton Welfare will enjoy the further involvement of Bruce Grobbelaar, the former Liverpool goalkeeping legend, this season.

Grobbelaar, who played for the side last season in the victory over Maltby Main, lives locally and expressed an interest in continuing his support for the club.

After discussion between Bruce and the club, it has been agreed that Bruce will be available as a Guest Coach on an ad-hoc basis operating alongside the current management teams.

This is another exciting development for the club who fought off extinction at the end of last season.

Newly appointed Director of Football, Ray Gowan, said: "When Bruce agreed to play for us last season, we could only have wished that he wanted to come back!

"For someone of Bruce's calibre to be available to us to pass on his playing and coaching expertise, experience and knowledge is invaluable and unique at our level.

"We have to improve our performances on the field and challenge for trophies at our level.

"Bruce has won a European Cup, six Championships, three FA Cups and three League Cups. I hope he can teach us how to win a few things!

"We are also looking at commercial opportunities that may become available as a result of having Bruce involved in the club.

"He is a busy man and it is clearly impossible for Bruce to be with us on a more regular basis.

"We are aware of and understand Bruce's existing charity commitments and are happy to work around them.

"We are flattered and honoured that he is prepared to give us some of his time.

"He enjoyed his game with us last season and was keen to return - illustrating his commitment to the club and the local community.

"I have been in non-league management for over 30 years, but the coming season promises to be my most exciting!"

(Story Source: Glasshoughton Welfare)

Welfare Fail In Fowler Bid

5th July, 2007

It has today been revealed that Glasshoughton Welfare made a bid to sign former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler on a free transfer.

The Northern Counties East Football League side, who signed Fowler's former team-mate Bruce Grobbelaar last season, made the audacious attempt yesterday.

After speaking with Fowler's agent, club secretary Lee Beardshaw admitted: "Unfortunately an agreement between the two parties could not be reached.

"After speaking with Mr Scott, Robbie's advisor, it became apparent that it would cost the club significantly more for Robbie to play than we would make back in gate receipts, sponsorship & merchandise sales.

"I am genuinely disappointed as I am a huge Robbie Fowler fan and his signature would create a huge interest and further increase the profile of Glasshoughton Welfare AFC.

"I am surprised that he has had no other offers.

"I would like to wish him all the best for the future & I hope he finds a club soon."

Welfare begin their pre-season with a fixture against Farsley Celtic next Tuesday 10th July at their Diggerland Stadium ground.

Admission prices are ?5 for adults and ?2 concessions.

(Story Source: Glasshoughton Welfare)

Welfare Hope New Boss Brings Success

11th June, 2007

Following keen interest in their managerial vacancy, Glasshoughton Welfare have appointed their new management team.

Taking over from Steve Learoyd, who left the club during the close season, will be Tim Hope.

Hope has acted quickly in appointing Paul Mattison as his assistant.

Hope said of his appointment: "This is a dream come true.

"I have played with and against many of the current squad and know their strengths and the potential that lies within the squad.

"I look forward to testing myself and improving the fortunes of Glasshoughton Welfare on the field.

"These are potentially very exciting times and I am grateful to the committee for giving me this opportunity."

Also appointed is Ray Gowan as Director of Football.

Ray has vast experience in football, mostly gained in the football hotbed of the North East with Spennymoor and Shildon.

He said: "I am delighted to be involved.

"I have been looking to get involved with a local club since moving down to the area from the North East.

"I have been impressed with what I have heard and seen and feel that this is the right club at the right time for me.

"It is a club that despite its recent troubles has great potential."

Club chairman Mick Jacobson added: "We are delighted to have concluded our negotiations and are happy to announce the appointments.

"Tim and Paul are the future of the club and showed great enthusiasm for the club throughout the interview process.

"Working with Ray who has vast experience at this level we feel that we have a team with a blend of enthusiasm and experience that can achieve great things for the club.

"Following all the doubts of last season it is just a relief to be looking forward to a new season with renewed optimism."

(Story Source: Glasshoughton Welfare)

Tables

NCEL Premier Division P Pts +/-
1 Winterton Rangers 38 91 79
P 2 Glapwell 38 78 48
3 Pickering Town 38 73 26
4 Liversedge 38 68 32
5 Nostell MW 38 64 17
6 Hallam 38 62 13
7 Selby Town 38 60 24
8 Parkgate 38 58 26
9 Armthorpe Welfare 38 58 4
10 Arnold Town 38 56 5
11 Eccleshill United 38 50 -17
12 Long Eaton United 38 49 -15
13 Brodsworth Welf (-2) 38 45 -30
14 Mickleover Spts 38 43 -20
15 Shirebrook Town 38 42 -25
16 Thackley 38 40 -21
17 Sth Normanton (-3) 38 39 -21
18 Maltby Main 38 36 -20
19 Lincoln Moorlands 38 33 -30
R 20 Glasshoughton Welf 38 18 -75
NCEL Division One P Pts +/-
P 1 Dinnington Town 32 78 48
P 2 Hall Road Rangers 32 67 23
3 Bottesford Town 32 62 22
4 Rainworth MW 32 57 22
5 Scarborough Ath (-6) 32 55 35
6 Gedling Town 32 55 25
7 Leeds Carnegie 32 55 22
8 Staveley MW 32 46 -4
9 Barton Town Old Boys (-3) 32 45 20
10 Teversal 32 42 -8
11 AFC Emley 32 38 -7
12 Tadcaster Albion 32 34 -18
13 Borrowash Victoria 32 30 -27
14 Yorkshire Amateur 32 29 -30
15 Worsbrough Bridge 32 27 -27
16 Rossington Main 32 24 -40
17 Pontefract Collieries 32 9 -56

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