Seadogs Give Heroes A Welcome
21st June, 2008
Scarborough Athletic are to give members of the nation's armed forces a 'Heroes Welcome' by joining a scheme offering discounts and benefits to local servicemen and women.
The club are offering free admission to all matches in the Northern Counties East League Division One during the upcoming season to current employees of the Army, Air Force and Navy, and also veteran servicemen and women.
To gain free admission to matches, a photo ID will be required in the form of an MOD90 service ID card, or other photographic proof of service. Veterans can show a regimental association or British Legion membership card.
John Senior, chairman of the Scarborough South Bay Traders' Association and co-ordinator of the scheme, said: "It's great that the town's football club is getting involved in the scheme, which aims to promote and recognise the difficult and dangerous job servicemen and women do for our country.
"It is about Scarborough businesses and organisations working as a team to stand up and thank the troops for their hard work."
Boro chairman Simon Cope said: "The club is proud to recognise the risks that service personnel take in order to provide us with security, and this type of scheme is in line with the wider community aims of our organisation."
Boro 2007-08 Supporters' Player of the Year Dave Thompson is a former serviceman. He served with the Royal Engineers for six years between 2000 and 2006, including active duty in Iraq during the second Gulf War, which began in 2003.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Captain Leaves Seadogs
18th April, 2008
Scarborough Athletic have parted company with their captain, Jamie Waltham.
The 26-year-old is looking to play at a higher level after claiming to the Scarborough Evening News that he is being "victimised" by referees in the NCEL.
It comes after he was sent off during Saturday's 2-1 win over Pontefract Collieries.
It was his first game back in action after sitting out a three-match ban for playing a local league match under a different name whilst serving an earlier suspension picked up at Athletic.
Waltham said: "I haven't regretted coming down here at all, the fans have been great and the manager Brian France has been great to me.
"I would normally finish off the season with the club but, as we have nothing to play for, there doesn't seem much point and I know Brian will be looking to next year so I might not have played anyway.
"I do feel that Brian is the right man for the job and I wish everyone at the club the best for the future."
France added: "I am sad to see him go because he has been a great player for us since he joined up. We will have to move on though now and look to replace him."
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
France Commits To Seadogs
6th April, 2008
Scarborough Athletic boss Brian France has signed a new contract that will see him at the club for at least another two seasons.
He put pen to paper on the contract after today's 1-1 draw with Division One champions Dinnington Town.
The signing of the contract means France is in place as team manager until the end of June 2010.
Chairman Simon Cope said: "We are delighted Brian has signed to stay with us for at least the next two seasons.
"His drive and ambition for success on the pitch matches that of the club off the field and that can only bode extremely well for the future."
France joined the club just days after its inception in June 2007, created a squad from scratch and has guided the team to a possible top five finish in its first year.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Seadogs Snatch Hartley
31st March, 2008
Scarborough Athletic have been boosted by the signing of North Ferriby United midfielder Joel Hartley just days before the 31st March deadline.
The Humberside club agreed to waive the seven day notice period.
He played under Seadogs boss Brian France at Ferriby in successful times, having signed from Hall Road Rangers in 2003.
In five years at Ferriby in total he played 148 times, with 25 sub appearances, scoring 20 times.
The 27-year-old skillful and pacey midfielder went straight into the squad for Boro's game against Teversal at the weekend.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Boro Skipper Banned For Three Matches
22nd March, 2008
Scarborough Athletic captain Jamie Waltham will sit out their next three games after receiving a suspension from the East Riding FA.
Waltham played in a local league match for Barnham St Andrews under a different name whilst suspended from football following his red card in the Boro vs Emley game in January.
The discretion was spotted by league officials, who handed Waltham a further 21-day ban which means he misses Boro's upcoming games against Borrowash Victoria, Teversal and Dinnington Town.
Club officials have conducted an internal inquiry with the player and taken steps to ensure further disciplinary matters are adhered to.
Meanwhile, the Seadogs have been charged with misconduct by the North Riding FA following crowd disturbances at the match against AFC Emley in January.
The club were fined ?150 plus costs at the hearing in Leeds for the incident which occured at Queensgate.
One supporter was banned for the rest of the season following the incident and the club has reissued a call for all supporters to adhere to the Supporters' Behaviour Policy to avoid any further incidents.
The policy is printed in the club's match day programme.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Seadogs Raise Over ?850 For Sport Relief
17th March, 2008
Scarborough Athletic's Sport Relief Mile team braved the cold and put their best foot forward to raise over ?850 for the charity at the weekend.
But, the club hope to raise even more charity cash.
Boro directors Simon Cope, Ben Courtney, Wendy Danby, Chris Rooke and Andy Troughton were joined by player Gary Hepples, website manager Steve Smith and young team mascot Bertie Courtney.
In a bitterly cold wind, the team strode on and completed the courses of either one or three miles, along with over 500 other competitors.
Gary Hepples came third overall in the three mile competition, whilst the other team members clocked various times on both the one and three mile courses.
Chairman Cope said: "The amount raised so far has been fantastic, but it doesn't stop there and we?d like to hear from individuals or businesses who can help us lift us over our ?1000 target."
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Seadogs Return Home Moves Closer
14th March, 2008
Scarborough Athletic fans have been given what could possibly be the best news yet in their attempt to return home.
The Seadogs currently play their football at Bridlington Town's Queensgate Stadium following their formation last Summer.
Board members of the club, along with Supporters Direct Acting Chief Executive Dave Boyle, met with Scarborough Borough Council officials on Tuesday to discuss the club's ambitions to play football within the town.
Head of Legal & Democratic Services, Ian Anderson, confirmed that the Council has lodged an official objection with the Lands Tribunal regarding an application to have the covenants protecting the Athletic Ground, also known as the McCain Stadium, removed.
A date has yet to be set by the Lands Tribunal for this case to be heard.
Leader of the Council, Tom Fox supported the idea of football returning to the town, saying: "We are keen to see that we have a sports facility that benefits the whole community, a facility that could support the town having, amongst other things, a football team that would have sustainable and realistic ambitions and popular support.
"Scarborough Athletic FC has popular support and, on the evidence of what I have seen, they are realistic in what they want to achieve.
"Securing the McCain Stadium is most important if we are to have the opportunity to provide those community facilities which could see a return of football to the town."
Club Chair Simon Cope welcomed the backing, adding: "We certainly appreciate the Council's desire to help us find a home in Scarborough, and look forward to working closely with them in the coming months, and indeed in the coming years.
"It is essential for the long term future of senior football in Scarborough that the correct, sustainable, solution is sought."
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Seadogs Supporting Sport Relief
7th March, 2008
Scarborough Athletic FC is joining the millions of people around the country raising money for Sport Relief.Battling midfielders Gary Hepples and Dave Thompson will be leading the Boro contingent in the Scarborough Seafront Mile on Sunday 16th March.
They will be joined by club chair Simon Cope, along with fellow directors Andy Troughton, Ben Courtney, Chris Rooke, James Hunter and Wendy Danby in a bid to raise ?1000 for the charity.
The club is also inviting fans to take part in the Seafront Mile as well, and help raise money themselves.
Cope said: "This is a great opportunity for the club to raise a big sum of money for charity.
"We would like to see as many fans as possible running alongside us."
People wishing to take part can register online at
www.mysportrelief.com/safc and then choosing to join the Scarborough Athletic FC team.
Fans wishing to donate to the cause can do so at the club's home game against Gedling Town on Saturday 15th March, or via the team's Sport Relief website listed above.
Further information on Sport Relief can be obtained from the media section of the official website:
http://www.sportrelief.com/media-centre/.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Boro Hand Over Ground Petition
22nd February, 2008
Nearly 450 signatures have been raised by Scarborough Athletic in support of council efforts to retain the covenant on their previous club's former ground.
The Athletic Ground has been left deserted since Scarborough FC ceased to exist last summer.
The new club, Scarborough Athletic, are currently playing at Bridlington Town's Queensgate Stadium but supporters have already voiced their desire to return to their old ground.
With the future of the former McCain Stadium up in the air, fans have put their name to a petition backing the council's efforts to keep a sporting covenant in place on the site.
Boro's communications and marketing director, James Hunter, said: "We are delighted with the response from supporters and managed to get 446 names on the petition.
"It shows how passionate people are to see the club return to the town."
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
Two Fans Banned From Boro Matches
19th February, 2008
Scarborough Athletic have banned two supporters from attending matches.
The move follows crowd incidents in the NCEL games at home to Emley and away at Dinnington.
The suspensions will cover all home games and official club travel to away matches.
One of the fans has been banned until the end of the season, and the other for the next two months.
The decision was made in line with Boro's spectator behaviour policy created to give the club an official framework with which to deal with poor behaviour at Athletic matches.
The club received reports regarding the incidents against Emley and Dinnington, and studied video evidence to support the decision before imposing the bans.
A Boro spokesman said: "We would like to remind all our supporters that poor behaviour will not be tolerated at our matches and will be dealt with accordingly."
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
Milner Joins Boro Ranks
7th February, 2008
Scarborough Athletic boss Brian France has added to his squad with the signing of Easington United's Kevin Milner.
The 23-year-old left-sided player can play in either defence or midfield and France is looking forward to seeing his new acquisition in a Boro shirt.
France told the Scarborough Evening News: "We have been watching Kevin for a while, he is a very capable player who can be a good, strong addition for us.
"We are always looking to add more quality to the squad and to keep up the competition for places in all areas of the team."
Unibond League Division One North side Bridlington Town and Humber Premier Division outfit Westella and Willerby were also chasing Milner, but he chose Boro.
France added: "There were one or two clubs after Kevin and I am delighted that he has decided to join us.
"He had his first training session with us on Tuesday night and looked very sharp so he will be ready to go straight into the squad for Saturday's home game with Rainworth.
"We have some good contacts around the leagues and a signing like this is further evidence of our efforts to progress and build for the future."
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
Seadogs Raise Money For Boro
31st January, 2008
Scarborough Athletic fans have dipped into their pockets to help another NCEL club.
A collection held at their game with AFC Emley on Saturday raised ?111.50 for the Worsbrough Bridge club.
Following Boro's visit and the witnessing of their devastation caused by the floods of last year, the collection was organised and the proceeds passed on the the Barnsley based team.
The club have thanked all supporters who generously donated.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Seadogs Rocked As Hepples Is Jailed
15th January, 2008
Scarborough Athletic have been left shocked after one of their players was jailed for four months for breaching a supervision order.
The Scarborough Evening News reports that 25-year-old midfielder Gary Hepples was given the jail sentence when he appeared before Scarborough Magistrates' Court.
Hepples, who lives in Gildercliffe, was handed the 12-month order in September last year.
But he was accused of breaching the order, which involved carrying out community work, on two occasions.
One breach was said to have happened on November the 15th last year and the other was on December the 1st ? the day when he was playing for the Seadogs at Staveley Miners Welfare in a 3-0 win.
He had been due to appear in court last month but that hearing was adjourned to last week for him to appear in person.
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
Boro Sign Winger And Vote To Keep Name
11th January, 2008
Scarborough Athletic have announced a new addition to their squad whilst fans have voted to keep the club's name and badge.
They have signed 19-year-old winger Ryan Morton from Frickley Athletic.
He had been on loan at Pontefract Collieries this season, but found opportunities limited so has decided to join Scarborough.
He is a left-winger with an eye for goal, and had scored for Frickley earlier in the season against Colwyn Bay in an FA Trophy tie, as well as two other goals in friendly games.
He becomes the third player to join Boro this season who has also played for Frickley. Carl Wood and Richard Medcalf have also represented the Unibond League side.
He goes straight into the squad for the weekend game at Worsbrough Bridge.
Meanwhile, following a survey conducted by Scarborough Athletic FC amongst its members, Boro fans have decided overwhelmingly to keep the name of the club and the current design of its badge.
The survey was taken after a promise in the summer that the club would conduct a poll of its supporters to find out whether the chosen name of Scarborough Athletic and the use of a modified club badge from Scarborough FC was what the fans wanted.
The results were as follows:
Total members surveyed 83
Do you think the name Scarborough Athletic should be retained?
Yes 67 (86%)
No 9 (11.5%)
Undecided 2 (2.5%)
Do you think the club crest should be retained?
Yes 71 (91%)
No 7 (9%)
Going forward therefore Scarborough Athletic FC will continue to use the same club name, and the club crest will remain unchanged.
Scarborough Athletic Chairman Simon Cope said: "We appreciate that, at first, not everyone was taken with the name and using the badge of the old club. So, we wanted to ask all fans their views on the name and crest.
"But, since formation, the name has stuck and the crest has become commonplace, and it is with no surprise that we find the trust members decided to keep them in place.
"It will also save a lot of money in the printing of new letter-heads and the commissioning of a new crest design!"
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Points Deduction For Seadogs
8th January, 2008
A six-point deduction for Scarborough Athletic has today been confirmed following an FA hearing.
The Division One club had appealed against the League's ruling after it was discovered that Joe Lightowler, Darren Phillips and Craig Hogg played for them whilst suspended towards the start of the season.
In their defence at West Riding FA's headquarters in Woodlesford earlier, the Seadogs said they'd "exercised reasonable endeavours" to make sure that the players were eligible and that, in one case, the player was not told of his suspension as his previous club had disbanded.
A three-man FA panel decided that, although certain problems within the player registration system had been highlighted, they would uphold the League's original ruling of a points deduction and ?300 fine.
Scarborough Athletic will also have to meet the costs of the hearing.
The points will be deducted from the Division One table with immediate effect.
Seadogs Festive Treat (Again!)
28th December, 2007
Scarborough Athletic's game against Pontefract Collieries tomorrow will see the club back in festive mood following their recent run of postponements.
For those making the trip to Queensgate for the match, a series of festive gifts will be on offer.
Juniors and concessions will be admitted free of charge whilst the first 300 fans through the turnstiles will be treated to a complimentary mince-pie.
And, the Supporters Club will give selection boxes, containing sweets and chocolates, to the first 100 children.
The Christmas celebration was due to take place on the 15th of December against Borrowash Victoria but that game was called off due to bad weather.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
'Tis The Season To Watch Boro
14th December, 2007
Scarborough Athletic are getting into the festive spirit for this weekend's Division One home clash with Borrowash Victoria.
In keeping with the spirit of Christmas cheer, juniors and concessions will be admitted free of charge on the 15th of December.
Furthermore, the first 500 fans through the turnstiles will be treated to a complimentary mince-pie.
And, the Supporters Club are giving selection boxes, containing sweets and chocolates, to the first 100 children.
After the game, the players and management team will be in the bar for a couple of Christmas drinks and warmly invite the fans to join them for a sherry or two.
Club chairman Simon Cope said: "This should be a fantastic opportunity for all Boro fans to get behind the lads and have a good day out at Bridlington.
"Everyone with kids feels the pinch a little bit in the run up to the big day, so we've hopefully made it a bit easier for families to come and cheer on their team together.
"I'd like to, as always, thank the Supporters Club for their work, which will help to make this a great occasion for the fans."
(Story Source: Scarbrough Athletic)
Scarborough Applaud Charity Day Idea
28th November, 2007
Scarborough Athletic have said they will do their best to help two local charities benefit from a record-breaking afternoon this weekend.
Staveley Miners Welfare announced earlier this week that, if they get their best ever crowd at Inkersall Road when the two sides clash on Saturday, their main sponsor Baris Group Ltd will donate ?500 to good causes in the communities of Scarborough and Staveley.
Their previous best crowd of 280 happened in the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup against Stocksbridge Park Steels almost fourteen years ago.
Scarborough Athletic FC Chair Simon Cope said: "This is a great challenge for a good cause, and we hope that plenty of Boro fans make the trip.
"Our away support has been tremendous so far this season and fingers crossed we can help Staveley break their record."
Cope also praised the size of the charitable donation: "?500 is a decent weekly wage budget in this league, so this is a very generous offer indeed.
"A similar charitable donation from a Premier League team could easily be in excess of ?200,000."
(Story Source: Scarbrough Athletic)
Long-Term Injury Blow To Striker
30th October, 2007
Scarborough Athletic have been hit by a striking blow with the news that Joe Lightowler has been ruled out for the season.
The frontman, who limped out of Boro's game at Rainworth in August, needs a knee operation to rectify an injury, and that will keep him away from the action until next pre-season.
Boss Brian France has pounced to bring in another signing though, with wideman Richard Medcalf joining from Frickley Athletic.
Medcalf, who has also played for Brodsworth this season, is unavailable for Saturday's trip to Northern Counties East League Division One leaders Gedling Town due to suspension.
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
Elections For New Trust Board Begin
17th October, 2007
After an amazing few months in which the members of Seadog Trust formed Scarborough Athletic FC, members have the chance to elect its new Board of Directors.
Eleven candidates have been proposed for the ten places and ballot papers will be sent out to members during the week commencing the 29th of October.
A list of the candidates, along with a personal statement from each of the hopefuls, can be found on the Trust's website at http://www.seadogtrust.com.
Seadog Trust is a member of Supporters Direct and its Election Supervision Group, which oversees the election process, is chaired by Tony Taylor.
He is a director of Supporters Direct which holds its national conference on Friday the 19th of October at the GMex in Manchester.
Taylor said that "a contested election is always important for democracy and, given the pace at which the Seadog Trust and Scarborough Athletic are moving forward, no one can be in any doubt that the Trust has not only saved Scarborough from football extinction, but has laid the foundations for a positive and dynamic future.
"Membership of the Trust in Scarborough has gone up by 200% in a matter of months and this really does give a real sense of optimism for the future.
"This election gives each and every member a very real, hands-on, involvement with the future of the football club."
Meanwhile, a mid-season friendly has been arranged by Athletic against fellow NCEL side Winterton Rangers.
Boro welcome the Premier Division highflyers to Bridlington Town's Queensgate ground next Wednesday (24th), kick-off is at 7.45pm.
(Story Source: Scarbrough Athletic)
Scarborough Set For Homecoming
9th October, 2007
Scarborough's football club could return to the town as early as next season under ground-breaking plans to expand Sheffield United's youth set-up.
The former Football League outfit were consigned to history in June after being wound up amid crippling debts of ?2.5m.
Scarborough folded after the board and the local council failed to agree terms on lifting restrictions preventing the sale of the McCain Stadium to house-builders. The old club had wanted to sell the site to clear their considerable debts.
A new club, Scarborough Athletic, was set up within days by the Seadog Supporters Trust and entered the Northern Counties East League.
However, due to ownership of the McCain Stadium having passed to liquidators Begbies Traynor, the fledgling club were forced to move out of town and play their home games at Bridlington Town's Queensgate ground.
Under plans drawn up by Sheffield United, who took over the Seadogs' school of excellence when the old club folded, that nomadic existence could be over as early as next summer.
The Blades have been in talks with George Pindar Community Sports College about a partnership that would see the school of excellence extended and a new Conference-standard stadium built on land next to the College's Eastfield site.
Athletic would then be invited to play at the new stadium, which if everything goes to plan could be open as early as the 2009-10 season.
The McCain Stadium, which the council plans to buy from the liquidator, is understood to be a key part of the plans with Athletic possibly making a temporary return to their former home in time for next season.
(Story Source: Yorkshire Post)
Striker Blott Set To Return
8th October, 2007
Striker Ryan Blott is set to make a return to Scarborough football, says the Scarborough Evening News.
The former Boro marksman is set to start talks with Scarborough Athletic manager Brian France tomorrow.
France said: "I have spoken to Ryan a couple of times and I'll be meeting up with him again at training tomorrow.
"I've heard a lot about him from his previous time at Boro. He is a player who can put the ball in the back of the net, which is exactly what we want at the moment."
The squad could also be bolstered by the signing of Anthony Bowsley and Mike Tate.
Midfielder Bowsley looks set to join from Goole, while striker Tate has been playing in the Humber Premier for Hutton Cranswick.
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
Lightowler Eyes Rapid Recovery
6th September, 2007
Scarborough Athletic striker Joe Lightowler could make a welcome return from injury ahead of schedule.
The 21-year-old former Bridlington Town frontman picked up a knee injury in Boro's Wilkinson Sword Trophy defeat against Rainworth last month.
He was originally not expected to make a comeback until the New Year, but striker Joe had different plans.
Lightowler said: "My knee is feeling a lot better now. I have been doing a bit of running on it and hopefully I?ll be back in training within two weeks."
This will be a boost to boss Brian France as Lightowler had been in goalscoring form before picking up his injury.
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
Boro Fans Look Smart For New Start
7th August, 2007
The historic first competitive match of new club Scarborough Athletic FC kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 11th August away at Teversal.
This will be the first league game since the liquidation of Scarborough FC and the foundation of Scarborough Athletic FC in the summer.
To mark the occasion the board of Seadog Trust, the supporters' organisation that owns and operates Scarborough Athletic FC, is encouraging all fans to acknowledge that they are the owners of the club by dressing as businessmen.
Club and Trust Chair Simon Cope states: "All Trust members are equal joint owners of the football club, and as such we want to make a statement to the wider football world as well as having some fun in the process."
Scarborough Athletic FC is aiming to do the Northern Counties East League Division One proud this season.
Cope added: "We are looking for a big Boro turnout in this, the first league match of Scarborough Athletic FC.
"The support which we have received in the course of the pre-season campaign has been superb and we hope that the football fans in Scarborough will get behind their team and cheer them on to early successes.
"We also hope that as many fans as possible will join in the fun by coming in fancy dress as businessmen.
"There should be a real party atmosphere at Teversal and we want everyone to get involved."
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Halt McCain Vandalism Urge Trust
24th July, 2007
The board of the Seadog Trust have urged all members of the Scarborough community to help stop vandalism at the McCain Stadium.
The ground is being targetted as it is currently not in use and has lain empty since the demise of Scarborough FC during the Summer.
Trust and Scarborough Athletic chairman Simon Cope said on the club's official website: "The mindless and petty vandalism going on at Seamer Road is disrespectful to the people of Scarborough, many of whom will have great memories of the Athletic Ground throughout Scarborough FC's history.
"Moreover, the possibility remains that football in Scarborough may return to the Athletic ground in the future.
"If this is to be the case, it will be the club that has to pick up the bill for any damage incurred.
"I implore members of the Scarborough community, particularly those who live in Edgehill to be watchful for trespassers."
If any suspicious activity is noted at the ground, please alert the police on 0845 60 60 24 7.
(Story Source: Scarbrough Athletic)
Athletic Confirm Kit
16th July, 2007
It has been confirmed that the newly-formed club Scarborough Athletic will be using the kits intended for use by Scarborough FC in the coming season.
The use of these kits also means that the use of the former club logo will be used for Scarborough Athletic for this season with its long-term future to be decided by the trust membership.
Scarborough Athletic chairman Simon Cope said: "We have undertaken the use of this kit in order to reassure those who have already bought replica kits for the coming season that they will not have to make a second investment.
"As well as this, we recognise that Scarborough Athletic represents a continuation of Scarborough FC, albeit it under complete fan ownership, and such elements of continuity are important to supporters.
"The use of such a 'bedding in' season will be important in order for the fans to have their say about the long term future of their club.
"The board of Seadog Trust would like to thank the Supporters Club of Scarborough FC for their co-operation over the sale of these kits.
"We would also like to thank Scholars Bar who have agreed to remain shirt sponsors for the current season."
Seadog Trust continues to go from strength to strength, with its membership now passing the 350 mark.
The combination of bronze, silver and gold memberships has already provided Scarborough Athletic with a guaranteed income of almost ?10,000 in the coming year.
The Trust will be looking to continue fundraising over the coming season in order to further its long term goals for Scarborough Athletic Football Club.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
France Boosts Ranks
9th July, 2007
Approximately seventy players attended Scarborough Athletic's open trials that took place on Saturday despite the inclement weather.
Torrential rain coupled with trying to register everyone proved very testing but, due to umbrellas etc., the afternoon went well.
The trials consisted of four eleven-a-side twenty minute games that were very keenly contested.
Manager Brian France was impressed by the number of players and their commitment in remaining throughout the trials in what was, at times, monsoon weather.
Five players registered to play for Scarborough Athletic, two more took their forms away to be completed and two more are having a further trial.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Ex-Mariners Join Athletic
5th July, 2007
Scarborough Athletic boss Brian France has snapped up former Grimsby Town youngsters Joe Lightowler and Chris Hyam.
Defender Hyam and striker Lightowler ? who have also played for Bridlington Town ? attended the first training session in Hull along with former North Ferriby forward Danny Exley of Scarborough.
France said: "We had 14 players come to the session which was a good response and I have been very busy trying to get lads in.
"Chris and Joe are very good lads while Danny Exley has a lot of potential and I managed him at Ferriby.
"I am hoping to add more players over the coming weeks and we have to get moving quickly because of the lack of time."
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
France Keen For Homegrown Stars
4th July, 2007
Scarborough Athletic's new boss Brian France has thrown down the gauntlet to the area's top players.
The Northern Counties League club will be holding a trial session at Pindar Leisure Centre between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday and any players are welcome to attend.
Athletic chairman Simon Cope is expecting the club to be holding all of their training sessions in the town this season.
France is keen to have a look at the area's talent and he
certainly won't be discounting any players without experience in the non-league scene.
He said: "I am Hull born and bred, but that definitely doesn't mean that I won't have players in the squad from elsewhere.
"This is a great chance for any players to put their point across and impress us.
"Players will be in the squad on merit and if we pick anyone up from the trials then it will be a massive bonus for us."
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)
Athletic Opt For France
29th June, 2007
Brian France has been appointed as the manager of the newly-formed side Scarborough Athletic.
The club's official website said: "Brian has an excellent record in non-league football in the North especially at North Ferriby United.
"There, he oversaw the promotion of the East Yorkshire outfit from the Northern Counties East League Premier to the play-offs of the Unibond Premier league, only losing out to Farsley Celtic in the play-off final in 2005.
"During his tenure North Ferriby also won the East Riding Senior Cup back to back four times."
On taking the job Brian France said: "Managing Scarborough Athletic is going to be a real challenge.
"Obviously everything has come about quite quickly and late but that's nobody's fault.
"We will be able to get a side together and the players will all have to roll their sleeves up and be aware that although Scarborough Athletic is new club they still carry the name of Scarborough.
"It's a big club with a big name and teams will raise their game to beat us.
"It's up to me and the players to work hard and achieve success and I'm looking forward to it immensely."
Simon Cope, chairman of Scarborough Athletic, said: "Brian brings a wealth of experience in the non-league game in Yorkshire to the table and his outstanding record with relatively limited resources at North Ferriby United speaks for itself.
"Both Brian and the board are now committed to identifying the players and backroom staff to achieve the victories that the people of Scarborough deserve."
Joining Brian at Scarborough Athletic will be his son Darren who will come in as assistant manager.
Darren was Brian's longstanding number two at Church Road during the period of North Ferriby United?s success.
The new club continues to accrue substantial support with over 250 attending a successful Open Meeting at the St. Nicholas Hotel on 28th June where the future of Scarborough Athletic was discussed in detail with people from throughout the Borough.
There, it was disclosed that the admission prices for the upcoming season will be ?5 for adults whilst children and concessions will get in for ?2.
(Story Source: Scarborough Athletic)
Athletic Start Manager Hunt
28th June, 2007
The new Scarborough Athletic club's recruitment drive is now underway.
Chairman Simon Cope is holding the opening manager interviews today and he is planning a trials day for potential players.
He said: "We still have six people on the managers shortlist, but we are only a few days into our existence at the moment.
"We are holding a couple of interviews today. Both candidates have experience in the Northern Counties East League and Unibond League."
He added: "We are also looking at setting up a trials day, details should be confirmed soon.
"It will be open to anyone, but we will be sending out application forms so the manager can judge who he wants.
"If they are good enough and the boss likes what he sees then it doesn't matter where they are from."
(Story Source: Scarborough Evening News)