Pikes Want To Follow Farsley
17th May, 2007
Pickering Town are hoping to follow former adversaries Farsley Celtic by climbing up the football ladder as quickly as possible.
The Pikes were playing Conference new boys Farsley regularly in the Northern Counties East League before the Throstle Nest side stepped up.
Now, following Farsley's 4-3 Conference North play-off final victory against Hinckley United on Monday, the Leeds-based minnows will take on York City next season.
Pickering chairman Tony Dunning believes there is no reason why the Mill Lane outfit should not harbour similar ambitions and is looking to employ a commercial manager with that target in mind.
The new role would be commission based and suit somebody with a selling background who is looking to work on a part-time basis.
Dunning said: "Farsley were with us not so long ago. I know their chairman and they have really pushed on but I don't see any reason why we can't do the same if we get the finance in.
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"We need to push on now because we have become a bit stuck as a club. I've been taking care of the commercial side of things for the last ten years but I'm 63 now and, even though we do quite well with sponsorship, I feel there's more potential out there that a fresh face with new ideas could capitalise on and make a difference."
Promotion next season would also be geographically beneficial to Pickering, who have seen the make up of the Northern Counties East League change in recent seasons.
But, in order to gain acceptance into the UniBond League, the Pikes would need to make ground improvements as well as securing a top-three place next term.
Dunning is hoping that extra revenue raised by the appointment of a commercial manager would resolve the off-pitch obstacle, saying: "There are more and more teams from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire joining the NCEL while the UniBond has clubs like Wakefield, Harrogate Railway, Goole and Bridlington.
"We would get a few more derbies and I'm quite happy we could survive in the UniBond with the team we have got and the players we can attract but our facilities are not up to scratch.
"We need a fence between the cricket and football fields, more seats, outside toilets and a covered walkway. They are not major things but they all require money."
Dunning believes that former York City winger and long-serving Pikes player Mark Wood is the right appointment as manager to take the club to the next level.
Wood, 34, took over the managerial reins from Alex Mathie midway through last season and guided the team to a final finish of ninth.
About the job he has done so far, chairman Dunning said: "He's been very good. We are really pleased with him and we have got the right man.
"He's settled into the job and knows a lot of players around York. We've also got a good Under-19 team. Three or four of them have progressed and not looked out of place in the first team and I'm sure they will get their chance next season.
"We want local players because that attracts local people and we only get gates of 100."
The club are also looking for a general secretary for next season and anybody interested in that role or the commercial manager position should contact Tony Dunning on 01751 472627 or 473697.
(Story Source: The York Press)
Wood Takes Over Pikes
11th January, 2007
Former player and Assistant Manager Mark Wood has been appointed as the new manager of Pickering Town.
He takes over from Alex Mathie who resigned after last Saturday's 3-1 defeat against Garforth Town.
Wood's first game sees him in charge against Armthorpe Welfare at the weekend.
(Story Source: Pickering Town)
Pikes Boss Quits - Official
9th January, 2007
It has been confirmed that Alex Mathie has resigned as manager of NCEL Premier Division side, Pickering Town.
Rumours had been circulating of his departure since the weekend.
The Malton & Pickering Mercury reports that the ex-Ipswich striker stepped down after the Pikes' 3-1 defeat against Garforth, which saw Town dip to 14th in the table.
Mathie had been in charge since 2004.
Chairman Tony Dunning said: "Alex resigned after the Garforth game, so we are looking for a new boss.
"He had done well for us and put together a good side, but our last league win was in October.
"We are looking to appoint a boss by Saturday's trip to Armthorpe."
(Story Source: Malton & Pickering Mercury)
New Date For Pikes FA Cup Clash
9th August, 2006
Pickering Town's FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round game at home to Formby has been moved back 24 hours.
They will now face the North West Counties side at Mill Lane on Sunday the 20th August. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Pikes Counting Down To Season Opener
4th August, 2006
Pickering Town are getting ready for the brand new season with a few changes to personnel.
One star to leave is Jamie Ramm, the Pikes' outstanding player of last season, who is leaving the club to begin a four-year soccer scholarship in South Carolina, USA.
He may be available for the Pikes at holiday periods, providing international clearance is obtained.
Three incoming players are all familiar with Pickering Peter Vasey, Gavin Dickinson and Adam Wash. These three bring the current squad up to about 20 players.
Pikes chairman Tony Dunning said they are looking forward to the new season: "It's not been a very restful off season, getting the ground ready and fund-raising."
(Story Source: Gazette & Herald)
Pikes Need Flying Start Says Dunning
2nd August, 2006
Pickering Town chairman Tony Dunning is keen for his side to hit the ground running this season.
With the Pikes' FA Cup extra preliminary round clash with Formby taking place on August 18, which is the second weekend of the season, Dunning feels that a winning start could hold the key to success.
Before the FA Cup clash Alex Mathie's side kick off with a trip to Garforth on August 11 and then a President's Cup clash with Selby on the following Tuesday.
Dunning said: "We need to get a good start in, that is vital for us.
"Alex Mathie has filled up the pre-season calendar with matches, we are hoping that will help.
"Alex believes that games are more important than training at this stage because it gives you the match practice you need ahead of the season.
"We do have a busy start to the season, with three important games in the first week.
"Having the FA Cup so early is unusual, but it is important we get a result because that helps with the funding for the season."
Dunning added: "Things are looking good, we just can't wait for it to get going now."
(Story Source: Malton & Pickering Mercury)