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THURSDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2007. BABY EMMA APPEAL ~ FORTHCOMING CHARITY MATCH. SUNDAY 11th MARCH 2007. Please help us raise money for The Baby Emma Appeal! Europanel have organised a charity football match against Centura to be held at the Ashley Travel Stadium on Sunday 11th March 2007. Gates will open at 11.00am - 6.00pm, K.O - 1.00pm. Emma Louise Clittie, 2, is suffering from a very rare childhood cancer, neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a solid tumour cancer which spreads rapidly. Recurrence after treatment is currently considered non-curative in the UK. There is a very high chance that Emma's cancer will return as with most neuroblastoma cases but even more so because Emma has the more aggressive N-myc Neuroblastoma. It's a different story in America, they have more options and don't consider recurrence as non-curative. One option is called antibody treatment and this is showing excellent results but this comes at a cost, we need to raise £200,000 for this treatment. Emma is currently having treated at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, England. Emma should finish her high dose chemotherapy in May 2007 and the best time to have the antibody treatment is within 90 days of this. We don't have lots of time to raise this massive amount of money but with everyone's help we will, even if you can donate £1, it's one step closer to getting Emma this potential life saving antibody treatment. Please help Baby Emma. FC UNITED VS FORMBY Skelmersdale United will be hosting the NWC Division One game, FC United Vs Formby on Wednesday 21st March. The gate has been sealed at 2,000 and tickets will go on sale soon, and it's anticipated that the price of tickets will be set at £7 per adult and £3.50 for concessions. More news on that as it becomes available. AKKERS SIGNS ON DOTTED LINE! 20-year old centre half Steven Akrigg has signed a contract as reported in the local press. Steven who joined from Warrington Town at the beginning of January 2007 and has impressed both Management & visitor's since, and was signed immediately after his M.O.M. winning display against Belper Town on Saturday 10th February 2007.
SATURDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2007. Once again Tommy has been busy signing new players, with his latest recruit being Michael Keegan who was once at Michael Keegan went on to play for Jan Molby’s 25-year old Midfielder, Keegan played for the Reserves on Tuesday night, and would’ve been making his debut today for the first team only for the fact that he’s awaiting International Clearance. Also joining the club is highly rated 18-year old Defender Craig Donovan, a local lad from Skelmersdale who turned down a professional contract at Blackpool in order to join Craig played in Wednesday night’s friendly against Ashton Athletic, and Tommy is going to monitor his progress in the Reserves for the time being.
Once again Tommy gets his man, this time with the signing of Striker Tony Evans from Marine. THURSDAY 25th JANUARY 2007.
Following last night's match against the Isle of Man National Representatives, Manager Tommy Lawson was upbeat despite the 3-1 defeat.
"I thought we played really well in the first half. The passing was crisp and sharp, and the game was free flowing.
"I also thought David Brookes had a good debut, making some good twists and turns, holding on to the ball well and basically making life difficult for their defence.
"The game was played in a good friendly manner and it was a pleasure to be their hosts, and we'll be trying our best to get over to their place for a few days in the summer if we can. Hopefully we can build on the friendship that has just blossomed."
United took the lead in the 20th minute when Jeff Underwood unleashed an unstoppable 25-yarder into the top left hand corner of the net, and for most of the first half the IOM were on the back foot.
The second half was more balanced, with both teams making changes.
Carl Osman fired just high of the crossbar in the 47th minute with a terrific shot from just outside the box.
The IOM levelled the score a minute later as Nigel Shimmin back heeled a free kick into the goal from close range.
John Cass side netted 30 seconds later.
However, the rub of the green was going in favour of the visitor's and in the 53rd minute they took the lead as Ross Williamson headed home Johnny Myers superb cross at the near post.
United continued to play some good football, but just couldn't find the finishing touches, and in the 89th minute the IOM wrapped the game up with another fantastic cross again from Myers which was this time headed home by Calvin Morrissey.
After almost 8 years with the club Ian Price has decided to hang up his boots and concentrate on his career. With limited opportunities within the team, Ian wasn't quite sure whether or not he was making the right decision, but with a Human Resources course looming, he made the difficult decision. "I spoke to Tommy about the situation and what I was planning to do and he told me to give it a bit more thought before I made my decision, and he also offered to find me another club if I decided to go which was very nice of Tommy. "However, it wasn't about going to another club for me because I could never imagine sitting in another changing room. "I've witnessed so many changes over the years at this club. The coming and going of players/managers and the ground move, but it's the camaraderie that i will always remember, and there's never been a dull moment. It's also been an extention to my soicial life, so will therefore be very hard for me to give up. "I will miss the smiling faces of the committee who win, lose or draw would always have a good word to say, and I know how welcome I will be whenever I come back, because that is how warm and friendly the club is. "I'm gutted now that I've made the decision because I don't know what I will do on Saturday afternoon's any longer, but thankfully Tommy's left the door wide open if I decide to return. I'm ever so grateful to Tommy and I know for sure the club is in good hands. "I'd like to thank all the supporter's over the years that have treated me like a friend. I will miss you all, but will get back as often as I can because this is truly a wonderful club." On behalf of the club I would like to say how very much we will miss Ian Price. If my memory serves me right, when Ian first came to the club he was playing in the Reserves, but soon established himself in the first team. The fact that he went on to play in 363 games in 9 seasons, proved how loyal he was to the club, as loyalty even at this level of football is in short supply. He joins a unique group of players such as John Brownrigg, Robbie Holcroft and Dave Standley, and it's true to say all of these players would've played for nothing just to have played for the club, indeed they may very well have played for nothing at some stage, and that is a very humbling experience as Chairman of such a proud club, to know that such huge Characters want to play for a club they truly adore. Ian will be remembered for many reasons, but perhaps the things that stand out will be his character. First of all he is a true gentleman who always has a smile on his face, and he always had time for others and was extremely approachable. He was/is a great ambassador for the club, and if anyone is looking for a standard to follow, then Pricey is a priceless benchmark. Good luck Ian! PLAYING RECORD WITH SKELMERSDALE UNITED First Goal in the final game of the 99/00 season on 17/4/1999 scoring the only goal for United on in a 1-4 defeat at Followed up with his second on 9 October 2004, just six and a half years later! TOTAL APPEARANCES 266 league, 75 cup for a total of 341 (+SUB 22) GRAND TOTAL 363.
NOONE ON TRIAL AT ROYAL ANTWERP!
19-year old Skelmersdale United winger Craig Noone flew out to Noone looked to be heading out of the club until new Manager, Tommy Lawson took a look at him in the reserves and fast tracked him into the first team three games into the current campaign, and he’s since guaranteed himself the number nine shirt. Within weeks of making his debut in the Northern Premier Unibond League Division One, Noone was handed a contact by the club. Manager Tommy Lawson was aware of the speculation surrounding Royal Antwerp, but it wasn’t until Saturday morning when the club contacted Tommy to finalise travel arrangements that he realised he wasn’t on some kind of wind-up. “Let’s just say I’ve got one or two friends that are not beyond dishing out the occasional wind-up, and although I first spoke to “Of course it turned out to be genuine, and after a conversation with the Chairman we decided the opportunity was far too great to pass by especially for Craig Noone himself. “Craig is a very talented player and it’s an absolute disgrace that he’s been overlooked by the local football clubs. We have so many clubs in this area, but the scouts haven’t been doing their homework. “If nothing comes from this I’m sure they will come flocking to the ground to see what talent we have on offer here. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want to lose my best players, but if they’re good enough to play at a higher level, I won’t stand in their way.” Royal Antwerp are considered to be a feeder club for Manchester United and have 4 players on loan from the ‘Reds’ already this season. Therefore it’s not beyond the realms of possibility, that this could be a stepping stone for Craig Noone to become a Manchester United player one day. If Craig Noone is successful during his trial, a transfer would have to take place within the next three weeks before the transfer window closes.
MONDAY 21st AUGUST 2006. Frank Hughes ~ Appointed as Executive Chairman of Skelmersdale United FC. “First of all I would like to say welcome to you all in my capacity as the newly appointed Executive Chairman of Skelmersdale United Football Club.
“Unfortunately Arthur has decided to step down due to work commitments, but will still be very heavily involved with the club as an Executive Director and Committee Member. Indeed to show our appreciation to him for his sterling service to the club over the last ten years, we have offered him the position of President, which Arthur was very honoured to accept. “Arthur has had to take a step back in recent months, but I can assure you he is still heavily involved in the background, which pleases me because he is a great man, from whom I’ve learnt so much and will continue to do so. Indeed I speak to Arthur on a day-to-day basis, and if I can be half the Chairman he was, then I’ll be doing a very good job for Skelmersdale United Football Club. “It is a very proud moment for me as I follow in my Fathers footsteps, especially as we enter a new era back in the Northern Premier League. I am honoured, indeed privileged to serve the club as Chairman. I also believe that I’m the youngest Chairman in the Northern Premier League at 39 years of age, but then you wouldn’t know that to look at me because working within a football club tends to add a few years on you!” Arthur Gore Statement. “I consider the invitation from the Management Board to become President of Skelmersdale United Football Club to be a great honour and I am delighted to accept. “The position of President enables me to continue my relationship with Skelmersdale United which of course has very much been a family tradition. I am looking forward to my future role as President, particularly as our football club is moving forward in a progressive manner. I am also pleased that Frank Hughes has agreed to become Executive Chairman following his successful period as Football Chairman.”
TUESDAY 4th July 2006. Billy Croft ~ A True Legend
Friday 30th June 2006. Following discussions between Nationwide Conference Manager Paul Cook of Southport FC and Tommy Lawson, the club have agreed to allow Carl Osman to join Southport for pre-season training. (Writes Frank Hughes) Midfielder Osman, the brother of Everton’s Leon is currently under contract at Skelmersdale United Football Club, but Manager Tommy Lawson said: “Southport are going full time this season, and to deny Carl the chance of playing football at Conference level wouldn’t be fair to the lad. “I spoke to Paul last night and he’s interested in taking a look at him, but it’s early days yet, and to be fair it might not work out for Carl, but we’ve got to give him the chance, as we would with any other player that has aspirations of playing at a higher level.” Twenty two year old Osman a former Everton trainee scored 21 goals for Skelmersdale United last season, and his silky skills saw him sweep the board for annual awards following the 2004/05 season, a season in which he also scored 19 goals for the club. A club spokesman said: “Carl will have to go out and prove himself, which won’t be easy as he’s attempting to step up three levels in one go, and he’ll be competing alongside players with far more experience than himself, but knowing Carl he’ll give it 110% effort. The club wishes him the best of luck.”
Following last night's first team meeting the following players were invited to sign for Skelmersdale for the 2006/07 season: Seb Beckett Adam Birchall (Former Crewe Trainee) Played for Runcorn last season. (Midfielder) Neil Black Peter Crookes Daniel Dalton Michael Douglas Tom Hardwick Robbie Holcroft Paul McNally (Assistant Manager/Player) Played for Burscough last season. (Centre Half) David Mather Ian Price Paul Rogers & Steve Rimmer are both on holiday but will sign when they come back. John Cass is also expected to sign as he joins pre-season training this Thursday. Tommy Lawson was pleased with the turn out ahead of the start of pre-season training. “There are quite a few players that I would like to sign that are on holiday at this moment in time, so there will be names to add to this list. “I’ve spoken to quite a few players and the reaction has been positive, as they realise how much ambition the club and I have got. “There were other players at last night’s meeting, and I’ve invited them to come and train with the club, but they will have to prove to me that they are worth signing on. They are all good players, and as I say I won’t close the door on anybody, but they have to impress me, and in equal measure I won’t keep them dangling if I think they aren’t capable of making it. “Things are starting to come together now and I’m really looking forward to the coming season.” Skelmersdale United have been drawn away from home in the League Challenge Trophy to Rossendale United on Tuesday 31st October 2006.
Tomorrow night there will be a meeting between the players and management ahead of pre-season training which starts this Thurday night at Lathom High School. Manager Tommy Lawson is inviting anyone interested in training with the club to turn up. "I'll give everybody a chance at the club, but it's up to them to prove they are capable. They will have to impress me, and at the same time I won't be wasting their time if I think they aren't capable." Meanwhile the club are pleased to announce that they will be adding Southport to their pre-season list. Southport have just announced that they will be paying a visit on Thursday 27th July 2006. K.O. 7-45pm.
The club is pleased to announce that Ian Warrilow & Paul Tynan have been confirmed as Joint Reserve Team Manager's for next next season. Ian & Paul took over the temporary reins when Terry Jennings stepped down midway through last season, and they then went on to guide the team to a creditable third place in the NWC Reserve League. The Reserves will join the Lancashire League this coming season, with the emphasis on bringing on the youth. Tommy Lawson said: "Ian & Paul will be assembling their own squad in the coming weeks, and after a meeting with most of last seasons youth team players, I'm confident that they will form the backbone of the team. I'm also confident that Ian & Paul will do a great job." Ian & Paul will also be linking up with the Junior Academy of the club to strengthen the good relationship that already exists, and talks are already going ahead about re-introducing a Youth Team next season in order to sustain the continuity more effectively. A spokesman for the club said: "The disbandment of the Youth Team was a short term measure whilst we went about restructuring the club. "We are looking to attain Community Football Charter Status at the club, and we are currently in the early planning stages. "Quality young footballers are slipping though the net once they turn 14 years of age in this town, and we need to stop that from happening. How better to do that than show the kids that through the clubs academy they will be given the chance to work their way through the ranks and hopefully play for their home town club one day." Also in the pipeline is the introduction of 'soccer schools,' and the hope further down the line is that the club will become a learning centre for the disadvantaged or disabled people of the town. THURSDAY 22nd JUNE 2006. Midfielder Michael Cole is about to complete a transfer to rivals Cammell Laird after the two clubs agreed terms tonight. FRIDAY 9th JUNE 2006. FRIENDLIES ANNOUNCED SO FAR!
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