Shiners Reluctantly Decide To Fold
3rd June, 2008
The chairman of South Normanton Athletic has admitted defeat in the attempt to keep the Lees Lane club alive.
The Premier Division outfit had been searching for someone to take over after the committee stepped down due to old age.
A deadline of the 31st of May for new owners has now passed.
And Colin Price told the NCEL website: "It is with much regret that I have to confirm that South Normanton Athletic Football Club have folded.
"As many people will be aware, we placed an appeal for a new committee to take over the administrative and financial control of the club.
"The date for the final decision has passed and there have been no takers.
"I would like to wish everyone in the League all the best for the coming season.
"And finally, I thank everyone who has been involved in the club for their help and hard work over the last 28 years."
The Premier Division outfit had been searching for someone to take over after the committee stepped down due to old age.
A deadline of the 31st of May for new owners has now passed.
And Colin Price told the NCEL website: "It is with much regret that I have to confirm that South Normanton Athletic Football Club have folded.
"As many people will be aware, we placed an appeal for a new committee to take over the administrative and financial control of the club.
"The date for the final decision has passed and there have been no takers.
"I would like to wish everyone in the League all the best for the coming season.
"And finally, I thank everyone who has been involved in the club for their help and hard work over the last 28 years."
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Hope For Shiners Survival?
22nd May, 2008
NCEL Premier Division side South Normanton Athletic could be saved at the eleventh hour.
It has been feared that the club could fold at the end of the month unless a new committee takes over at Lees Lane.
Those who currently run the Shiners are stepping down due to old age.
Spokesperson Peter Kane told the Chad newspaper: "We are still hoping that the club will continue.
"We have had a meeting with one consortium and the mood was a positive one.
"As they went away and they told us that there were people they needed to speak to, and promised to come back to us before the 31st May deadline.
"They were comparatively young people but were very mature in their approach to what is required to take the club forward, so we are hopeful that the club will still be playing in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division next season."
Meanwhile, the funeral arrangements have been announced for Press Officer, Tony Thorpe, who died at the start of the month.
The service will take place at 2pm on Thursday the 29th of May at Brinsley Parish Church.
The request is for flowers from the family only but donations may be made to the Notts Union of Golf Clubs Nippers Tour.
It has been feared that the club could fold at the end of the month unless a new committee takes over at Lees Lane.
Those who currently run the Shiners are stepping down due to old age.
Spokesperson Peter Kane told the Chad newspaper: "We are still hoping that the club will continue.
"We have had a meeting with one consortium and the mood was a positive one.
"As they went away and they told us that there were people they needed to speak to, and promised to come back to us before the 31st May deadline.
"They were comparatively young people but were very mature in their approach to what is required to take the club forward, so we are hopeful that the club will still be playing in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division next season."
Meanwhile, the funeral arrangements have been announced for Press Officer, Tony Thorpe, who died at the start of the month.
The service will take place at 2pm on Thursday the 29th of May at Brinsley Parish Church.
The request is for flowers from the family only but donations may be made to the Notts Union of Golf Clubs Nippers Tour.
(Story Source: Mansfield Chad)
Shiners Shock At Press Officer's Death
8th May, 2008
South Normanton Athletic have been left reeling by the death of their Press Officer, Tony Thorpe.
He passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon in hospital after going in earlier this week for surgery.
Tonight's NCEL Management Board meeting began with a minute's silence in his honour.
And, all at the League send our deepest condolences to Tony's friends and family and to everyone at Lees Lane at this tragic time.
He passed away peacefully in his sleep this afternoon in hospital after going in earlier this week for surgery.
Tonight's NCEL Management Board meeting began with a minute's silence in his honour.
And, all at the League send our deepest condolences to Tony's friends and family and to everyone at Lees Lane at this tragic time.
Shiners Have Turnstiles For Sale
6th May, 2008
South Normanton Athletic have two working turnstiles for sale.
They were originally at the Normanton Road end of Derby County's old Baseball Ground stadium and are both in working order although they need a good coat of paint.
The Lees Lane club also has a professional industrial water sprinkler for sale.
Anyone interested is asked to contact Ground Development Officer, Peter Kane, on 07984 933960.
They were originally at the Normanton Road end of Derby County's old Baseball Ground stadium and are both in working order although they need a good coat of paint.
The Lees Lane club also has a professional industrial water sprinkler for sale.
Anyone interested is asked to contact Ground Development Officer, Peter Kane, on 07984 933960.
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Shiners Set To Fold In The Summer
29th April, 2008
South Normanton Athletic have announced that, owing to the fact that no one has come forward to take over the club, it will fold.
They say that, after May 31st, the 28 year history of the Lees Lane club will come to an end.
Club spokesman Peter Kane said: "Earlier this year, the committee reluctantly decided that, through ill health and the age of the current committee members, it would be impossible to run the club for a further season.
"We made an appeal for anyone who may be interested in taking the club forward to get in touch, but no one has come forward.
He added: "It was, personally, a sad day for me as I was one of the founders of the club back in 1980.
"28 years is enough for anyone to help run local football, but I have not been alone.
"Most of the committee are in their late sixties, early seventies and most have been here over twenty years.
"What is more frustrating is that the club, which is Step 5 on the FA National Pyramid System, has a thirty year lease on its ground at Lees Lane, has passed the current Ground Grading Structure and has a four-figure sum in sponsorship in place for next season.
"We feel bitterly disappointed that, for many years, we have strived to put South Normanton on the national football map, without very little or no help from the Council, and the big companies that surround our village.
"We would like to go on record that we owe a big thank you to our two managers, Glynn Stacey and Mark Harvey.
"They are, in our opinion, the best two managers we have had at this club.
"With the right backing, these lads could go far in football."
But, there could still be hope.
As a last ditch appeal, Kane again asked if there was anyone who wants to come and accept the legal responsibilities of running the club next season then to get in touch.
He said: "A few committee members have stated that they will stay and help on the ground improvements should a new consortium be found."
They say that, after May 31st, the 28 year history of the Lees Lane club will come to an end.
Club spokesman Peter Kane said: "Earlier this year, the committee reluctantly decided that, through ill health and the age of the current committee members, it would be impossible to run the club for a further season.
"We made an appeal for anyone who may be interested in taking the club forward to get in touch, but no one has come forward.
He added: "It was, personally, a sad day for me as I was one of the founders of the club back in 1980.
"28 years is enough for anyone to help run local football, but I have not been alone.
"Most of the committee are in their late sixties, early seventies and most have been here over twenty years.
"What is more frustrating is that the club, which is Step 5 on the FA National Pyramid System, has a thirty year lease on its ground at Lees Lane, has passed the current Ground Grading Structure and has a four-figure sum in sponsorship in place for next season.
"We feel bitterly disappointed that, for many years, we have strived to put South Normanton on the national football map, without very little or no help from the Council, and the big companies that surround our village.
"We would like to go on record that we owe a big thank you to our two managers, Glynn Stacey and Mark Harvey.
"They are, in our opinion, the best two managers we have had at this club.
"With the right backing, these lads could go far in football."
But, there could still be hope.
As a last ditch appeal, Kane again asked if there was anyone who wants to come and accept the legal responsibilities of running the club next season then to get in touch.
He said: "A few committee members have stated that they will stay and help on the ground improvements should a new consortium be found."
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Shiners Open Disabled Stand
29th February, 2008
South Normanton Athletic Football Club have opened their new Wheelchair and Disabled Supporters Stand at Lees Lane.
Club Chairman Colin Price invited Janice Cooper from the South Normanton & Pinxton Development Project to officially open the stand and cut the ribbon on the 25th of February.
He added: "This was the idea of the Ground Development Officer and Life Member Peter Kane.
"Along with Janice, they successfully received a grant for part of the cost from The Big Lottery Fund 'Awards for All' Scheme."
The stand holds ten wheelchairs together with sixteen seats with extra leg room, together with 30 other seats for their carers.
This was the final project at Lees Lane carried out by their ageing but hard working committee over the past twelve months, which included concrete hard standing for supporters, new pitch and ground perimeter fencing and refurbishments to their existing seated area.
The club have thanked Vice Chairman, Derek Miles, Committee Members Arthur Albrighton, Malcolm Cotton and local volunteer Geoff Allard who had worked tirelessly throughout last summer.
Mr Price concluded by saying: "The club is still looking for a consortium to take over its running.
"We do have everything in place at the ground, with a long lease, its own Social Club and excellent facilities.
"We renew our appeal to anyone with a serious interest in football to get in touch with us."
Anyone who can help is asked to contact Colin Price on 07976 621614.
Club Chairman Colin Price invited Janice Cooper from the South Normanton & Pinxton Development Project to officially open the stand and cut the ribbon on the 25th of February.
He added: "This was the idea of the Ground Development Officer and Life Member Peter Kane.
"Along with Janice, they successfully received a grant for part of the cost from The Big Lottery Fund 'Awards for All' Scheme."
The stand holds ten wheelchairs together with sixteen seats with extra leg room, together with 30 other seats for their carers.
This was the final project at Lees Lane carried out by their ageing but hard working committee over the past twelve months, which included concrete hard standing for supporters, new pitch and ground perimeter fencing and refurbishments to their existing seated area.
The club have thanked Vice Chairman, Derek Miles, Committee Members Arthur Albrighton, Malcolm Cotton and local volunteer Geoff Allard who had worked tirelessly throughout last summer.
Mr Price concluded by saying: "The club is still looking for a consortium to take over its running.
"We do have everything in place at the ground, with a long lease, its own Social Club and excellent facilities.
"We renew our appeal to anyone with a serious interest in football to get in touch with us."
Anyone who can help is asked to contact Colin Price on 07976 621614.
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Shiners Welcome Back Farrell
14th February, 2008
South Normanton Athletic are to welcome back an old favourite as they attempt to lift themselves out of the Premier Division relegation zone.
Striker Valadmir Santos Farrell is set to be included in the Shiners squad for their home game with Thackley on Saturday.
It is a return to Lees Lane for him after he moved to Unibond League side Carlton Town at the start of the season.
The management team of Glynn Stacey and Mark Harvey are also hoping that another former Shiners player will rejoin the club and be with them until the end of the season.
Striker Valadmir Santos Farrell is set to be included in the Shiners squad for their home game with Thackley on Saturday.
It is a return to Lees Lane for him after he moved to Unibond League side Carlton Town at the start of the season.
The management team of Glynn Stacey and Mark Harvey are also hoping that another former Shiners player will rejoin the club and be with them until the end of the season.
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Points Deduction For Shiners
5th February, 2008
South Normanton Athletic have been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.
Dean Whiley played whilst suspended in their 4-2 NCEL Premier Division victory at home to Armthorpe Welfare on the 22nd of December.
The Lees Lane club, who have also been fined, have accepted the League's ruling.
Dean Whiley played whilst suspended in their 4-2 NCEL Premier Division victory at home to Armthorpe Welfare on the 22nd of December.
The Lees Lane club, who have also been fined, have accepted the League's ruling.
Shiners Dip Into Transfer Market
20th January, 2008
In a bid to ease their relegation fears, Premier Division side South Normanton Athletic have made a double swoop in the transfer market.
The Lees Lane outfit have signed both Matt Hallam from Long Eaton United and Paul Gamble who returns following a spell with Quorn Fc.
Hallam, who found his options limited at Long Eaton, can play anywhere in defence.
Gamble played at Lees Lane earlier in the season but he went to Quorn to experience higher football.
Manager Mark Harvey said: "We are pleased to have both players at Lees Lane who I am sure will reduce our fears of relegation.
"After a good start to the season, we have slipped down the league, mainly due to a number of injuries.
"The team has recently had a good spell but we do need to pull away from the basement of the league."
The Lees Lane outfit have signed both Matt Hallam from Long Eaton United and Paul Gamble who returns following a spell with Quorn Fc.
Hallam, who found his options limited at Long Eaton, can play anywhere in defence.
Gamble played at Lees Lane earlier in the season but he went to Quorn to experience higher football.
Manager Mark Harvey said: "We are pleased to have both players at Lees Lane who I am sure will reduce our fears of relegation.
"After a good start to the season, we have slipped down the league, mainly due to a number of injuries.
"The team has recently had a good spell but we do need to pull away from the basement of the league."
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Consortium Opportunity At Lees Lane
20th December, 2007
A consortium opportunity has arisen at South Normanton Athletic Football Club.
The club are currently playing in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division (Step 5 of the National Pyramid System) and the opportunity also includes accepting the responsibility of the Sports & Social Club.
The club is currently in a financially viable position.
All Proposals and Propositions in writing please to the Chairman, Colin Price, 2 Downing Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire. DE55 2HE.
The club are currently playing in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division (Step 5 of the National Pyramid System) and the opportunity also includes accepting the responsibility of the Sports & Social Club.
The club is currently in a financially viable position.
All Proposals and Propositions in writing please to the Chairman, Colin Price, 2 Downing Street, South Normanton, Derbyshire. DE55 2HE.
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Shiners Future Under Spotlight
3rd December, 2007
The Chairman of South Normanton Athletic Football Club, Colin Price, yesterday called a Special Meeting to try to sort out the club's future.
Due to the current lack of help given, he made an appeal for assistance from supporters and others from outside the club to assist with the day-to-day running of the football club.
Over the past few years, members of the Committee have withdrawn their services mainly due to age or illness.
Following the meeting, Colin Price said: "The Football Club is at that stage when more help is needed on match days and with such limited resources we are striving to continue at this present time.
"We cannot go on with the present situation as it is, and I am making an appeal for assistance from our supporters and indeed from others outside the club to help.
"Over the past couple of years, a number of our ageing Committee personnel have suffered greatly through illness and for the on-going future of the club, help is urgently required.
"It is imperative to attract persons who are capable of attending to the administrative duties of the Football Club, which includes the financial and legal responsibilities.
"The Social Club requires acceptable officials to govern the club in accordance with the Laws.
"Now that the club have confirmed their position in the Northern Counties East Premier League, it would be a sad affair for this great club to fold for these reasons."
He added: "In addition to the lack of support, we were forced by the League Management Committee to carry out major changes to our ground during the summer months in order to maintain our status in the League.
"We have also maintained our programme concerning improvements to the playing pitch and of course, these changes cannot continue without the necessary financial backing from sponsors.
"Both Roger Reek (Trustee) and myself both intend to relinquish our positions at the end of this current season and it is the decision of the Committee to look for a consortium to take control for the 2008/9 season.
"I would like to make it clear that we are a viable club now and would look seriously at offers, making our accounts available for anyone seriously interested in taking control.
"We would like to see the Club succeed, and obviously make progress higher up the FA Pyramid."
Anyone interested in such a takeover should contact Colin Price with their constructive plans on 07976 621614.
Due to the current lack of help given, he made an appeal for assistance from supporters and others from outside the club to assist with the day-to-day running of the football club.
Over the past few years, members of the Committee have withdrawn their services mainly due to age or illness.
Following the meeting, Colin Price said: "The Football Club is at that stage when more help is needed on match days and with such limited resources we are striving to continue at this present time.
"We cannot go on with the present situation as it is, and I am making an appeal for assistance from our supporters and indeed from others outside the club to help.
"Over the past couple of years, a number of our ageing Committee personnel have suffered greatly through illness and for the on-going future of the club, help is urgently required.
"It is imperative to attract persons who are capable of attending to the administrative duties of the Football Club, which includes the financial and legal responsibilities.
"The Social Club requires acceptable officials to govern the club in accordance with the Laws.
"Now that the club have confirmed their position in the Northern Counties East Premier League, it would be a sad affair for this great club to fold for these reasons."
He added: "In addition to the lack of support, we were forced by the League Management Committee to carry out major changes to our ground during the summer months in order to maintain our status in the League.
"We have also maintained our programme concerning improvements to the playing pitch and of course, these changes cannot continue without the necessary financial backing from sponsors.
"Both Roger Reek (Trustee) and myself both intend to relinquish our positions at the end of this current season and it is the decision of the Committee to look for a consortium to take control for the 2008/9 season.
"I would like to make it clear that we are a viable club now and would look seriously at offers, making our accounts available for anyone seriously interested in taking control.
"We would like to see the Club succeed, and obviously make progress higher up the FA Pyramid."
Anyone interested in such a takeover should contact Colin Price with their constructive plans on 07976 621614.
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Referees Charity Fundraiser - Cancelled
19th November, 2007
A charity match tonight where referees from the Northern Counties East League had a chance to prove their footballing skills has been called off.
They had formed a team to take on the contractors behind the multi-million pound renovation of Kings Mill Hospital near Mansfield.
But, the recent bad weather has meant that the pitch at South Normanton's Lees Lane ground is unplayable.
It is hoped that the game will be rescheduled at a later date with money raised from the match going to the hospital.
They had formed a team to take on the contractors behind the multi-million pound renovation of Kings Mill Hospital near Mansfield.
But, the recent bad weather has meant that the pitch at South Normanton's Lees Lane ground is unplayable.
It is hoped that the game will be rescheduled at a later date with money raised from the match going to the hospital.
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Shiners Hunt For New Goalkeeper
8th November, 2007
South Normanton Athletic are hunting for a new goalkeeper after Ross Whalin injured his shoulder in the midweek 1-1 draw with Thackley.
The influential shot-stopper suffered the injury after colliding with a defender at a corner and is expected to be out of action for at least the next month.
Joint boss Mark Harvey told Chad: "Losing Ross is a massive blow to us, he has been brilliant for us this season and is one of the best goalkeepers in the division."
The Shiners may now be forced to play Harvey, a former goalkeeper, in goal during Saturday's League Cup second round clash against Yorkshire Amatuer.
Said Harvey: "Unless we can get a new keeper I will have to go in goal.
"I have played at this level before but not for many years but I should be OK.
"I'd sooner rather not be playing though because Ross is such an important player to us."
The influential shot-stopper suffered the injury after colliding with a defender at a corner and is expected to be out of action for at least the next month.
Joint boss Mark Harvey told Chad: "Losing Ross is a massive blow to us, he has been brilliant for us this season and is one of the best goalkeepers in the division."
The Shiners may now be forced to play Harvey, a former goalkeeper, in goal during Saturday's League Cup second round clash against Yorkshire Amatuer.
Said Harvey: "Unless we can get a new keeper I will have to go in goal.
"I have played at this level before but not for many years but I should be OK.
"I'd sooner rather not be playing though because Ross is such an important player to us."
(Story Source: Mansfield Chad)
Shiners Bolster Strike Force
11th October, 2007
South Normanton Athletic have signed two new strikers as they look to bolster their attack for the long season ahead.
The shiners have signed former Belper Town player Nathan Scott and Derby County trainee Karl Ashton on a game-by-game basis to cover for long-term injuries and Wednesday's sale of Valadamir Santos Farrell to Carlton Town.
And Mark Harvey, joint manager, told Chad the club were expecting the exciting duo to make their debuts on Saturday at home to high-flying Winterton Rangers.
Said Harvey: "Nathan Scott has some pedigree and I have been impressed by what I have seen. We hope he will make his debut alongside Karl Ashton on Saturday.
"Karl has a lot of pedigree and we are expecting him to stamp his authority and score goals for us. This is a new line-up up front for us but we hope they will work well together and form a good partnership.
"Ashton is hoping to get back into professional football and we know that he may leave if he starts to score a lot of goals for us. Even if he helps us win just a few games then it will be a good signing for us."
The shiners have signed former Belper Town player Nathan Scott and Derby County trainee Karl Ashton on a game-by-game basis to cover for long-term injuries and Wednesday's sale of Valadamir Santos Farrell to Carlton Town.
And Mark Harvey, joint manager, told Chad the club were expecting the exciting duo to make their debuts on Saturday at home to high-flying Winterton Rangers.
Said Harvey: "Nathan Scott has some pedigree and I have been impressed by what I have seen. We hope he will make his debut alongside Karl Ashton on Saturday.
"Karl has a lot of pedigree and we are expecting him to stamp his authority and score goals for us. This is a new line-up up front for us but we hope they will work well together and form a good partnership.
"Ashton is hoping to get back into professional football and we know that he may leave if he starts to score a lot of goals for us. Even if he helps us win just a few games then it will be a good signing for us."
(Story Source: Mansfield Chad)
Shiners Strengthen Their Squad
29th September, 2007
South Normanton Athletic have added to their squad and hope their new acquisition will make his debut in midweek.
Former Lincoln Moorlands player-manager Rick Ranshaw has joined the Lees Lane outfit from Gedling Town.
He was unable to make his debut today in the 2-0 win over Glasshoughton Welfare due to technicalities.
But, it is hoped he will be in the squad for Tuesday's Premier Division match at home to Park.
Former Lincoln Moorlands player-manager Rick Ranshaw has joined the Lees Lane outfit from Gedling Town.
He was unable to make his debut today in the 2-0 win over Glasshoughton Welfare due to technicalities.
But, it is hoped he will be in the squad for Tuesday's Premier Division match at home to Park.
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Shiners Prepare For Tournament
19th July, 2007
This year's South Normanton Athletic Invitational Tournament kicks-off this Saturday.
The hosts and holders take on neighbours Blackwell Miners Welfare from the Central Midlands League in the opening game.
Kick-off is at 3pm at Lees Lane and entry is ?3, ?2 for concessions.
There are eight clubs in the competition and the full draw will be issued soon.
The tournament is in memory of Kevin Taylor who passed away earlier this year at the young age of 54.
"Kev was on the committee as treasurer for several years, ran the Social Club bar and he was a close friend," said club spokesperson Pete Kane.
"All the games are at Lees Lane in what should be an extravaganza of football as a starter to what should be a great season for the South Normanton Athletic.
"Promotion to the Northern Counties East League Premier Division means we have loads of local derbies to come - Glapwell and Shirebrook, to mention a couple."
The hosts and holders take on neighbours Blackwell Miners Welfare from the Central Midlands League in the opening game.
Kick-off is at 3pm at Lees Lane and entry is ?3, ?2 for concessions.
There are eight clubs in the competition and the full draw will be issued soon.
The tournament is in memory of Kevin Taylor who passed away earlier this year at the young age of 54.
"Kev was on the committee as treasurer for several years, ran the Social Club bar and he was a close friend," said club spokesperson Pete Kane.
"All the games are at Lees Lane in what should be an extravaganza of football as a starter to what should be a great season for the South Normanton Athletic.
"Promotion to the Northern Counties East League Premier Division means we have loads of local derbies to come - Glapwell and Shirebrook, to mention a couple."
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
Vandalism Sours Shiners Promotion Joy
24th June, 2007
South Normanton Athletic's promotion celebrations were soured this week when their Lees Lane home was hit by vandalism.
The Shiners were promoted to the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League after finishing third in Division One last season.
But their promotion was conditional on certain works being carried out to their Lees Lane ground to bring the stadium up to the Football Association's requirements for Step 5 of the National Leagues System.
The works have to be completed by 1st August, and the club were well on the way to meeting that target.
But when vice-chairman Derek Miles arrived at the ground on Wednesday morning he was met by a heartbreaking situation.
"We have a truck at the ground which is not taken on the road but is used for moving stuff around, and that has been destroyed and debris scattered all over the ground," said Mr Miles.
"We badly need this vehicle to get the work done, and not having it available will severely hamper our chances of meeting the deadline set by the league - and could cost us a heavy fine.
"Also we have had goal nets stolen, which of itself is not insurmountable, but is discouraging nevertheless."
Among work to be completed is the installation of larger dugouts, extending the roof of the seated stand forward to ensure that the front seats are adequately covered, and the building of another stand which has now been put on hold.
Mr Miles added: "We have notified the police, but we will hang back from asking the Northern Counties East League for special dispensation until the situation is reviewed.
"We are striving to give the community of South Normanton a club to be proud of and it's soul destroying when our efforts are wrecked in this way.
"It's not so long since Ashfield United gave up in the face of similar vandalism at their Lowmoor Road ground.
"They reached the stage of saying 'enough is enough' and it would be tragic if we were forced into the same situation."
The Shiners were promoted to the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League after finishing third in Division One last season.
But their promotion was conditional on certain works being carried out to their Lees Lane ground to bring the stadium up to the Football Association's requirements for Step 5 of the National Leagues System.
The works have to be completed by 1st August, and the club were well on the way to meeting that target.
But when vice-chairman Derek Miles arrived at the ground on Wednesday morning he was met by a heartbreaking situation.
"We have a truck at the ground which is not taken on the road but is used for moving stuff around, and that has been destroyed and debris scattered all over the ground," said Mr Miles.
"We badly need this vehicle to get the work done, and not having it available will severely hamper our chances of meeting the deadline set by the league - and could cost us a heavy fine.
"Also we have had goal nets stolen, which of itself is not insurmountable, but is discouraging nevertheless."
Among work to be completed is the installation of larger dugouts, extending the roof of the seated stand forward to ensure that the front seats are adequately covered, and the building of another stand which has now been put on hold.
Mr Miles added: "We have notified the police, but we will hang back from asking the Northern Counties East League for special dispensation until the situation is reviewed.
"We are striving to give the community of South Normanton a club to be proud of and it's soul destroying when our efforts are wrecked in this way.
"It's not so long since Ashfield United gave up in the face of similar vandalism at their Lowmoor Road ground.
"They reached the stage of saying 'enough is enough' and it would be tragic if we were forced into the same situation."
(Story Source: Mansfield Chad)
Shiners Shock At Rivals Demise
11th June, 2007
South Normanton Athletic have said they are very sad that their local rivals Sutton Town have resigned from the NCEL.
The Fieldings outfit unexpectedly quit at yesterday's League AGM due to financial reasons.
Shiners Chairman Colin Price says that, whilst being happy about his side's own promotion into the Premier Division, his joy was tempered with what has happened just down the road from Lees Lane.
He said: "I would like to place on record the fact that we are so bitterly disappointed at the demise of Sutton Town Football Club.
"We were looking forward to renewing our 'Derby' matches against them which in the past have always been played in the best spirit of football.
"I am sure other clubs join us in our disappointment and they will be sadly missed by the NCEL League."
The Fieldings outfit unexpectedly quit at yesterday's League AGM due to financial reasons.
Shiners Chairman Colin Price says that, whilst being happy about his side's own promotion into the Premier Division, his joy was tempered with what has happened just down the road from Lees Lane.
He said: "I would like to place on record the fact that we are so bitterly disappointed at the demise of Sutton Town Football Club.
"We were looking forward to renewing our 'Derby' matches against them which in the past have always been played in the best spirit of football.
"I am sure other clubs join us in our disappointment and they will be sadly missed by the NCEL League."
(Story Source: South Normanton Athletic)
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