Moorlands Secretary Confirms Exit
6th May, 2008
Lincoln Moorlands Railway Club Secretary Graham Peck has confirmed that he is to step down and will be moving to another NCEL club.
He relinquished his post after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Glapwell, a result that confirmed a bottom two place in the Premier Division for the Newark Road side.
In a statement, he said: "I told Moorlands several weeks ago of my intentions after the last game as I thought it only fair on the club that I saw it out to the end of the season.
"But, in all honesty, I have been going through the motions and not enjoying my football and, when I get to that stage, it's time to move on.
"I have been fighting a lone battle for too long and no club at this level can be a one man band.
"I was also tired of some of the attitudes of certain people aimed at me and no one was prepared to do anything about it.
"I believe club officials should be treated with respect and some people are incapable of that.
"Some things I have witnessed this season have bitterly disappointed me and should not happen in football.
"Having said all that, I have a new start at Gedling Town next season and I have a lot of time for Roly Ash, their Chairman, and I hope I can rekindle my enthusiasm.
"There are some good people at Moorlands and I have gained respect for Darren Dye, the Manager, who has had to battle away all season with his hands tied firmly behind his back.
"The players have remained loyal to him throughout which says a lot when many expected them to jump ship when the expenses stopped.
"I wish the Club all the best for the future."
He relinquished his post after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Glapwell, a result that confirmed a bottom two place in the Premier Division for the Newark Road side.
In a statement, he said: "I told Moorlands several weeks ago of my intentions after the last game as I thought it only fair on the club that I saw it out to the end of the season.
"But, in all honesty, I have been going through the motions and not enjoying my football and, when I get to that stage, it's time to move on.
"I have been fighting a lone battle for too long and no club at this level can be a one man band.
"I was also tired of some of the attitudes of certain people aimed at me and no one was prepared to do anything about it.
"I believe club officials should be treated with respect and some people are incapable of that.
"Some things I have witnessed this season have bitterly disappointed me and should not happen in football.
"Having said all that, I have a new start at Gedling Town next season and I have a lot of time for Roly Ash, their Chairman, and I hope I can rekindle my enthusiasm.
"There are some good people at Moorlands and I have gained respect for Darren Dye, the Manager, who has had to battle away all season with his hands tied firmly behind his back.
"The players have remained loyal to him throughout which says a lot when many expected them to jump ship when the expenses stopped.
"I wish the Club all the best for the future."
Six Of The Worst For Railway
28th January, 2008
NCEL Premier Division side Lincoln Moorlands Railway feel certain they have claimed an unwanted record having conceded a penalty in no less than six consecutive games.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "I have never seen anything like it.
"The run of penalties started at Winterton Rangers on Boxing Day and ended against Eccleshill United last Wednesday.
"I would challenge any team at any level of football to have endured such bad luck. I might even contact the Guinness Book of Records!
"Although we lost against Mickleover on Saturday, we hope we have broken the penalty voodoo sign on us as, at least, we didn't concede one in the game.
"Our club have always wanted a bit of fame for something, but this fame we could well do without.
"It's rather ironic as well that our young goalkeeper Phil McGann made his debut against the first of them and has faced every one of them so far - not the best start to his career at the club.
"I think everyone at the club must have each broken a mirror in the last few weeks."
The club are now keen to hear from anyone who has had a similar record and are asked to e-mail Graham at g.peck@ntlworld.com.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "I have never seen anything like it.
"The run of penalties started at Winterton Rangers on Boxing Day and ended against Eccleshill United last Wednesday.
"I would challenge any team at any level of football to have endured such bad luck. I might even contact the Guinness Book of Records!
"Although we lost against Mickleover on Saturday, we hope we have broken the penalty voodoo sign on us as, at least, we didn't concede one in the game.
"Our club have always wanted a bit of fame for something, but this fame we could well do without.
"It's rather ironic as well that our young goalkeeper Phil McGann made his debut against the first of them and has faced every one of them so far - not the best start to his career at the club.
"I think everyone at the club must have each broken a mirror in the last few weeks."
The club are now keen to hear from anyone who has had a similar record and are asked to e-mail Graham at g.peck@ntlworld.com.
(Story Source: Lincoln Moorlands Railway)
Moorlands Launch Fund-Raising Project
20th December, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway have begun a massive drive to raise cash for new changing rooms.
It started with last night's friendly with near-neighbours Boston United.
Currently, Moorlands have been using portable facilities that were only intended to be used for five years but have been up for closer to fifteen.
The club were promoted to Premier Division for this season on the understanding that new facilities would be built.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "When we merged with the Railway Club they brought with them nine junior and girls teams who use the pitch recently developed next to the main ground.
"However, when a senior team is playing it means the junior teams have no changing facilities which is not very pleasant.
"We have about 70 per cent of the cost waiting for us at the Football Foundation but we need to raise something like ?20,000 in a fairly short time."
Moorlands are launching a 'Buy a Brick' project which will be ?10 for an individual or ?25 for a business to buy a brick that will be acknowledged on the club's website and in match programmes.
During the summer there will also be a outside music concert and, hopefully, a sportsman's dinner and friendlies.
It started with last night's friendly with near-neighbours Boston United.
Currently, Moorlands have been using portable facilities that were only intended to be used for five years but have been up for closer to fifteen.
The club were promoted to Premier Division for this season on the understanding that new facilities would be built.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "When we merged with the Railway Club they brought with them nine junior and girls teams who use the pitch recently developed next to the main ground.
"However, when a senior team is playing it means the junior teams have no changing facilities which is not very pleasant.
"We have about 70 per cent of the cost waiting for us at the Football Foundation but we need to raise something like ?20,000 in a fairly short time."
Moorlands are launching a 'Buy a Brick' project which will be ?10 for an individual or ?25 for a business to buy a brick that will be acknowledged on the club's website and in match programmes.
During the summer there will also be a outside music concert and, hopefully, a sportsman's dinner and friendlies.
(Story Source: Lincolnshire Echo)
Hone Calls It A Day
14th December, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway central defender Mark Hone has decided to call it a day on his illustrious playing career.
It comes after a season disrupted by injury and suspension and the player facing a nine game ban at Christmas.
Hone played at Lincoln City before joining Spalding United and then coming to Moorlands.
Club Secretary Graham Peck said: "What an unfortunate way to end a career but Mark has taken great pride in his son, Daniel, playing professionally for Lincoln City and wants to support him and that is understandable.
"I have met some nice people in football and in the short time he has been here everyone has thought what a nice bloke he is.
"He hopes to be still involved and train with us and Moorlands wish him well for the future."
It comes after a season disrupted by injury and suspension and the player facing a nine game ban at Christmas.
Hone played at Lincoln City before joining Spalding United and then coming to Moorlands.
Club Secretary Graham Peck said: "What an unfortunate way to end a career but Mark has taken great pride in his son, Daniel, playing professionally for Lincoln City and wants to support him and that is understandable.
"I have met some nice people in football and in the short time he has been here everyone has thought what a nice bloke he is.
"He hopes to be still involved and train with us and Moorlands wish him well for the future."
(Story Source: Lincoln Moorlands Railway)
Bus Driver Is Moorlands' Lucky Mascot
3rd December, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway believe they have found the catalyst for an improvement in form - their bus driver.
The driver, supplied by coach company Travelwright, played a huge part in their 3-2 victory at Nostell Miners Welfare, according to Moorlands secretary, Graham Peck.
He told the club's website: "We have had the same driver for the games at Ely City in the Vase, Shirebrook Town in the League Cup and now at Nostell and he has not seen us lose yet!
"Mark is a smashing lad who really likes to watch us play and really gets into it so I have asked Travelwright if we can have him as our lucky mascot driver for all our away games.
"The players do appreciate him and if he keeps bringing us luck then that is a bonus!!"
The driver, supplied by coach company Travelwright, played a huge part in their 3-2 victory at Nostell Miners Welfare, according to Moorlands secretary, Graham Peck.
He told the club's website: "We have had the same driver for the games at Ely City in the Vase, Shirebrook Town in the League Cup and now at Nostell and he has not seen us lose yet!
"Mark is a smashing lad who really likes to watch us play and really gets into it so I have asked Travelwright if we can have him as our lucky mascot driver for all our away games.
"The players do appreciate him and if he keeps bringing us luck then that is a bonus!!"
(Story Source: Lincoln Moorlands Railway)
Dye Goes On Signing Spree
23rd November, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway boss Darren Dye has brought in several new players ahead of Saturday's trip to Nostell Miners Welfare.
The first arrival is Mark Curtis who is a very highly rated left sided player with blistering pace.
He has only recently signed for Nettleham but fancies his chances at a higher level.
Meanwhile, Dye has brought in highly rated nineteen-year-olds Jake Keyworth and Ryan Creane on loan from neighbours Lincoln United.
Also signed is RAF man James Taylor who, although playing Sunday League, is known to have talent having played for the RAF side.
And, another player could sign today on loan initially with a view to signing permanently in the next week or two.
Manager Dye is delighted with his captures and most of them will figure at the weekend.
He told the club's official website: "I have got to freshen things up and maybe one or two of the current squad may not be too happy.
"But, I need to start winning points to get away from the bottom and I am confident these signings will do the job.
"The new players are stepping up from lower grade football and want to prove themselves as to what they can do so I know they will seriously put themselves about.
"If I have to change the whole squad to start moving up then so be it.
"The comfort days are over!"
The first arrival is Mark Curtis who is a very highly rated left sided player with blistering pace.
He has only recently signed for Nettleham but fancies his chances at a higher level.
Meanwhile, Dye has brought in highly rated nineteen-year-olds Jake Keyworth and Ryan Creane on loan from neighbours Lincoln United.
Also signed is RAF man James Taylor who, although playing Sunday League, is known to have talent having played for the RAF side.
And, another player could sign today on loan initially with a view to signing permanently in the next week or two.
Manager Dye is delighted with his captures and most of them will figure at the weekend.
He told the club's official website: "I have got to freshen things up and maybe one or two of the current squad may not be too happy.
"But, I need to start winning points to get away from the bottom and I am confident these signings will do the job.
"The new players are stepping up from lower grade football and want to prove themselves as to what they can do so I know they will seriously put themselves about.
"If I have to change the whole squad to start moving up then so be it.
"The comfort days are over!"
(Story Source: Lincoln Moorlands Railway)
Railway Website Back Online
3rd November, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway are pleased to announce that their website is up-and-running once again after recent teething problems.
Computer trouble meant that secretary Graham Peck was unable to update the site for two months.
He told the Official NCEL Website: "This has been frustrating as there is now a lot of catching up to be done.
"I will be concentrating on Match reports and getting the squad profiles on now that we have some new players in and some have departed.
"I have made a start and I will be continuing the work over the next week or so with new information," he added.
The website address is exactly as it was before at http://www.lincolnmoorlandsfc.non-league.org/.
Computer trouble meant that secretary Graham Peck was unable to update the site for two months.
He told the Official NCEL Website: "This has been frustrating as there is now a lot of catching up to be done.
"I will be concentrating on Match reports and getting the squad profiles on now that we have some new players in and some have departed.
"I have made a start and I will be continuing the work over the next week or so with new information," he added.
The website address is exactly as it was before at http://www.lincolnmoorlandsfc.non-league.org/.
(Story Source: Lincoln Moorlands Railway)
Railway Announce New Kit Sponsors
13th July, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway have revealed that their new kit sponsors will be Stamp End Motors.
Owner Dave Briggs, who was a regular supporter both home and away last season, has decided to invest in the Club.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "We would like to thank Dave for his tremendous gesture for this season and is the first of a number of potential sponsors showing an interest in the Club.
"Dave sponsored three games as well last year and this is the kind of support we need as we go into the new season."
Owner Dave Briggs, who was a regular supporter both home and away last season, has decided to invest in the Club.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "We would like to thank Dave for his tremendous gesture for this season and is the first of a number of potential sponsors showing an interest in the Club.
"Dave sponsored three games as well last year and this is the kind of support we need as we go into the new season."
(Story Source: Lincoln Moorlands Railway)
Pre-Season Chaos For Railway
12th July, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway's pre-season warm-up plan has been thrown into chaos due to pitch problems.
The Newark Road surface has been declared unfit for the next two weeks following re-seeding work that has been undone by the unseasonal weather.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "The new seed was taking well until the deluge of recent rain but we still thought it would be recoverable.
"We have now discovered that a lot of the new growth has just rotted away so, this week, the urgent decision has been made to re-turf the areas affected and these will take a couple of weeks to bed in.
"It's a massive blow as our three home friendlies starting this Saturday have had to be cancelled.
"We would appeal to any clubs who can give some spare dates either midweek or Saturdays that we would love to hear from you and we will try to fit games in - but they will have to be away.
"We still have three away games and these are unaffected.
"Any club who can help please ring me on 07815 458196 or e-mail g.peck@ntlworld.com."
The Newark Road surface has been declared unfit for the next two weeks following re-seeding work that has been undone by the unseasonal weather.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "The new seed was taking well until the deluge of recent rain but we still thought it would be recoverable.
"We have now discovered that a lot of the new growth has just rotted away so, this week, the urgent decision has been made to re-turf the areas affected and these will take a couple of weeks to bed in.
"It's a massive blow as our three home friendlies starting this Saturday have had to be cancelled.
"We would appeal to any clubs who can give some spare dates either midweek or Saturdays that we would love to hear from you and we will try to fit games in - but they will have to be away.
"We still have three away games and these are unaffected.
"Any club who can help please ring me on 07815 458196 or e-mail g.peck@ntlworld.com."
(Story Source: Lincoln Moorlands Railway)
Injury Mars Clash
8th July, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway's opening pre-season game was marred by a serious injury to an opposing player.
The match, the first at Sleaford Town's new Estaforde Stadium, was just two minutes old when the incident happened.
Craig Stones, who played in the NCEL for Brigg Town, was preparing to shoot when he was tackled by Railway defender Adam Gilbert.
The game was then held up for fifty minutes as Stones, who was believed to have broken his leg, was airlifted to hospital in Lincoln.
Afterwards, Railway secretary Graham Peck told The Non-League Paper: "It was an accident. All at our club wish Craig well. No one likes to see what happened."
The game was re-started as a 30-minute each way match and finished 3-3.
The match, the first at Sleaford Town's new Estaforde Stadium, was just two minutes old when the incident happened.
Craig Stones, who played in the NCEL for Brigg Town, was preparing to shoot when he was tackled by Railway defender Adam Gilbert.
The game was then held up for fifty minutes as Stones, who was believed to have broken his leg, was airlifted to hospital in Lincoln.
Afterwards, Railway secretary Graham Peck told The Non-League Paper: "It was an accident. All at our club wish Craig well. No one likes to see what happened."
The game was re-started as a 30-minute each way match and finished 3-3.
(Story Source: The Non-League Paper)
Dye Pushes Squad
7th July, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway boss Darren Dye has been working his squad hard ready for life in a higher division.
Moorlands began pre-season training on June 16, much earlier than most other teams as they pre pare for the new season in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
Despite finishing fifth last season, Moorlands were handed a surprise promotion after Sutton Town stood down because of severe financial problems.
"This is the first time I've done pre-season as a manager" said Dye who took over when Rick Ranshaw was sacked in March.
"I think we've probably started a little bit too early as we've only had a five-and-a-half week break, but I want us to be prepared and ready for the new season, especially as we're in a higher league.
"I spoke to Gainsborough Trinity manager Paul Mitchell recently, who I played under, and he said being a successful manager is 75 per cent luck.
"And that's very true as I came into the club towards the end of the season and we won the Lincolnshire Cup and got promoted.
"But seriously, we've worked very hard over the last few weeks to create a team ready for the new season."
Adam Gilbert has boosted Dye's ranks, though, returning after a long absence due to a back injury.
Moorlands began pre-season training on June 16, much earlier than most other teams as they pre pare for the new season in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.
Despite finishing fifth last season, Moorlands were handed a surprise promotion after Sutton Town stood down because of severe financial problems.
"This is the first time I've done pre-season as a manager" said Dye who took over when Rick Ranshaw was sacked in March.
"I think we've probably started a little bit too early as we've only had a five-and-a-half week break, but I want us to be prepared and ready for the new season, especially as we're in a higher league.
"I spoke to Gainsborough Trinity manager Paul Mitchell recently, who I played under, and he said being a successful manager is 75 per cent luck.
"And that's very true as I came into the club towards the end of the season and we won the Lincolnshire Cup and got promoted.
"But seriously, we've worked very hard over the last few weeks to create a team ready for the new season."
Adam Gilbert has boosted Dye's ranks, though, returning after a long absence due to a back injury.
(Story Source: Lincolnshire Echo)
Moorlands Delight At Promotion
13th June, 2007
Lincoln Moorlands Railway have spoken about their shock at being promoted into the Premier Division.
Although the club were understandably delighted at the unexpected news, they were sad that it was because of the resignation of Sutton Town due to severe financial problems.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "The decision came out of the blue at the League AGM on Sunday and we could not refuse the offer to play at the higher level.
"Of course, we feel bitterly sorry for Sutton as no one likes to see any Club go under and this is a tragedy for the League and the Sutton Club.
"But, we had aimed to be there this season and yes, we have got there by the back door, but we intend to make the most of it.
"The League have attached conditions with regard to ground-grading issues and we take that fully on board and we will do everything we can to ensure we do not get relegated back down again."
Manager Darren Dye was equally ecstatic: "This is my first managerial job and I did not expect this and I am really up for the challenge as I believe our players will be.
"Like the Secretary, it is a travesty as to how we have got here and we hope that Sutton will rise up from the ashes in the future.
"But I now know what lies ahead of me. It's a tougher League by a mile and if I stay out of the bottom two then I will regard that as a success as I want to consolidate first.
"I also think I can now bring in some new players to meet the challenge."
The Club has recently changed its name and colours to reflect the name of the parent Social Club and this has been accepted by both the League and the Football Association.
Although the club were understandably delighted at the unexpected news, they were sad that it was because of the resignation of Sutton Town due to severe financial problems.
Secretary Graham Peck said: "The decision came out of the blue at the League AGM on Sunday and we could not refuse the offer to play at the higher level.
"Of course, we feel bitterly sorry for Sutton as no one likes to see any Club go under and this is a tragedy for the League and the Sutton Club.
"But, we had aimed to be there this season and yes, we have got there by the back door, but we intend to make the most of it.
"The League have attached conditions with regard to ground-grading issues and we take that fully on board and we will do everything we can to ensure we do not get relegated back down again."
Manager Darren Dye was equally ecstatic: "This is my first managerial job and I did not expect this and I am really up for the challenge as I believe our players will be.
"Like the Secretary, it is a travesty as to how we have got here and we hope that Sutton will rise up from the ashes in the future.
"But I now know what lies ahead of me. It's a tougher League by a mile and if I stay out of the bottom two then I will regard that as a success as I want to consolidate first.
"I also think I can now bring in some new players to meet the challenge."
The Club has recently changed its name and colours to reflect the name of the parent Social Club and this has been accepted by both the League and the Football Association.
(Story Source: Lincoln Moorlands Railway)
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