Credit Crunch Hits Pikes
4th March, 2009
The economic downturn could hit Pickering Town hard, their chairman has warned.
In a statement released to the club's official website, Tony Dunning says: "Several of the club's sponsors (one being a significant sponsor) have indicated that they are to withdraw their support.
"The reason given by each sponsor was that cut backs have to be made due to the recent poor economic climate.
"This has come as a real blow to the club and our budgets are now severely affected.
"We have also encountered some extremely high additional costs in our drive to achieve the ground grading standard required for UniBond Division One."
Meanwhile, the Pikes have confirmed that Keith Usher has returned as Club Secretary.
Mr Dunning said on his appointment: "His Knowledge and experience in this role is second-to-none and I am delighted that we have managed to secure his services once again."
(Story Source: Pickering Town)
Pikes Positive After FA Visit
12th February, 2009
Pickering Town have been paid a visit by FA Ground Graders this week as they look to make the move up to the UniBond League.
The Pikes, who are currently second in the Premier Division and five points behind leaders Mickleover Sports, had an inspection carried out at Mill Lane on Tuesday.
Last season, they were denied a chance to progress as, although they had the required amount of seating, it was situated in two separate stands which was against the regulations.
A change in the requirements since then, though, has meant that would not be a problem this time round.
Chairman Tony Dunning said: "Following the inspection, a very positive meeting took place with representatives from the club.
"Whilst it was pointed out that there are a number of minor alterations to be made and a few jobs to be completed, both parties were confident that the work will be completed by the deadline on the 31st March, 2009.
"During the above meeting, it was also confirmed that only one team will be promoted from the KoolSport NCEL Premier Division in to the UniBond First Division."
Meanwhile, Pickering's Commercial Manager, Brian Wood, has stepped down from his role at Mill Lane.
Tony Dunning has been quick to pay respect to his work, saying: "I would like to go on record in thanking Brian for his loyal service to Pickering Town CFC during his latest spell on the Management Committee.
"It is fair to say that when Brian joined the team, the club's future was looking extremely grim.
"He has made a huge contribution with all his hard work and endeavour and he leaves the club in a much healthier state."
The new structure of the club's Management Committee will be announced once it has been finalised.
(Story Source: Pickering Town)
Pikes Ground Improvements Continue
14th November, 2008
Pickering Town have unveiled the latest improvement to their Mill Lane ground as they look to move up the National League System.
The Pikes have erected a removable boundary fence that fully separates the football pitch from the cricket square.
This was part of the on-going ground development programme to satisfy FA Ground Grading Requirements as the club look to progress into the UniBond League.
Chairman Tony Dunning said: "A huge amount of planning was required for this project. The first objective was to obtain permission from all relevant departments/authorities. I would particularly like to thank the Cricket Club for their co-operation on this matter.
"The fence is quite a piece of engineering with 50 panels consisting of wooden slats held together by a steel frame, 51 holes in the ground, 0.5m square, 1.0m deep with steel sockets embedded in a concrete footing up to ground level (these are capped off during cricket season).
"51 steel posts sit in to the steel sockets and the panels are then bolted on.
"The project was managed by the club's Business Adviser Bill McCall.
"The fence was expertly designed and engineered by LH Sleightholme Ltd headed by Steve Marshall. My hat comes off to Steve who went way over and above the call of duty to deliver and without him we could not have possibly completed the project.
"The ground work/preparation was completed by J Thackray & Sons Steel Structures Ltd. Many thanks to Laurie and co. for all their patience regarding the unexpected boulders unearthed during the construction.
"The erecting and dismantling at each end of the football season takes 10 strong club members (or for that matter anyone we can drag off the street on a Sunday morning) approximately 3 hours using a mini tractor and trailer to transport the fence to its place of storage during the cricket season.
"A superb effort from everyone concerned, complements have been coming in from many different quarters!!!
"The funding to cover the cost of the fence came from many different areas such as donations, sponsorship etc. We were also awarded a substantial grant from the Football Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF) through the Football Foundation."
(Story Source: Pickering Town)
Major Sponsor Boost For Pikes
19th August, 2008
Pickering Town have secured a significant sponsorship deal with their area's largest employer, McKechnie Plastic Components.
The deal, initially for one year, is to be reviewed on an annual basis.
Mr Brian Mann, McKechnie's Managing Director commented: "It is very noticeable that there is a great deal of momentum gathering at Pickering Town Football Club.
"If they are to succeed with their ambitions for promotion they are going to need financial backing from the area.
"I am only too pleased to be in a position to offer my help."
Pikes chairman Tony Dunning added: "Given the present financial/economic climate this is a fantastic boost for the club.
"I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Brian and McKechnie Plastic Components.
"We at Pickering Town are extremely grateful for their much valued support."
Meanwhile, Pickering's FA Cup Preliminary Round tie at Whickham will be played on Sunday 31st August due to cricket being played at the ground on the Saturday.
(Story Source: Pickering Town)
Connor Backs Pikes Promotion Push
10th July, 2008
Skipper Joe Connor has backed Pickering Town to push on this season.
29-year-old Connor, who returned to the club from Selby at the beginning of last term, played a part in helping the Pikes to third in the Premier Division last term - something they are hoping to better this time around.
Pickering have already been boosted by the signing of midfielder Tom Adams from Whitby Town and they will be looking to start their pre-season with a bang against York League champions Huntington on Monday.
Connor told the Malton & Pickering Mercury: "We have been training now for a couple of weeks and things are looking very good.
"We did well last season, but with a two or three more additions then I think we can really push on in the league."
(Story Source: Malton & Pickering Mercury)
Pikes Boosted By Sponsorship News
24th June, 2008
Pickering Town have unveiled a Match Day Travel Sponsor as they prepare for the new campaign.
An agreement was made with Mr Joe Woodhead, the new owner of The Legendary Saltersgate Inn, at the end of last week.
The deal will include:
1. A significant donation towards the cost of first team coach travel to away matches,
2. Management/Officials Jackets and
3. Tracksuits, polo shirts, warm up tops and substitutes padded suits for the First Team squad.
Although The Legendary Saltersgate Inn is currently undergoing major renovation, Joe was keen to have this association with the Pikes up and running for the coming season.
He hopes that, when the hotel based in Saltersgate re-opens in the Spring of 2009, it will hit the ground running.
A Pikes spokesperson said: "We at Pickering Town will do everything we can to give Joe's latest venture as much exposure as possible.
"Sponsorship of this nature is extremely difficult to obtain and we want him to be aware how grateful we are for his support."
(Story Source: Pickering Town)