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NEWS ARCHIVE - Season 2004/05

Burscough FC Player of the Year Awards

Supporters' Player of the Year – PAUL GEDMAN

Players' Player of the Year – LEE DAMES
(Award presented by Chris Higham)

Clubman of the Year – MATTHEW BOSWELL
(Award presented by Derek Goulding)

Reserve Team Player of the Year – ANTHONY DANIELS
Under-18s Manager’s Player of the Year – SEAN NIGHTINGALE
Under-18s Player’s Player of the Year – ANTHONY DANIELS
Under-17s Manager’s Player of the Year – ZACK HIBBERT
Under-17s Player’s Player of the Year – JOE CAWLEY

Zack Hibbert receives the L.E.P Youth Trophy for the Under-17s from Chris Lloyd.

Monday, 16th May 2005

UniBond League Statement: The Semi-Finals of the UniBond League Premier Division Play-Offs have been given the go-ahead in the High Court in London. At a hearing held on the 12th May, an application by solicitors acting on behalf of Farsley Celtic and Burscough to quash the decision of the FA Appeal Board, was not upheld thereby confirming that Spennymoor United’s record will remain in the league table with 3 points being awarded to each of their opponents for the nine games not fulfilled. The High Court ruling is subject to an appeal to The Court of Appeal.
Unless such an appeal is forthcoming, Hyde United are the Premier League Champions with the Play-Off Semi-Finals – Workington v Prescot Cables and Farsley Celtic v Whitby Town – to be played on Saturday 14th May with the Final the following mid-week dependent on the requirement of the team playing at home.
The League are relieved that this extremely complex issue now appears to have been resolved and hope that in spite of the most unfortunate circumstances surrounding the play-offs, they will be played in a truly competitive spirit.
Thursday, 12th May 2005

Joint Press Statement from Farsley Celtic FC and Burscough FC Our lawyers Walker Morris, solicitors in Leeds, received notification late last night that the Football Association would not agree to Farsley Celtic's and Burscough's arguments regarding our claim to promotion from the Northern Premier League to be determined by arbitration. The FA refusal was based upon their claim that in order to have a right of arbitration there must have been a breach of contract by the FA. Farsley and Burscough wanted their claim that the FA had breached their contract with them decided by an independent arbitrator but it appears the FA have made the decision that there was no breach of contract by the FA without the help of an independent arbitrator.
Andrew Firbank, Chairman of Farsley Celtic FC, and Chris Lloyd, Chairman of Burscough FC, said "We are extremely disappointed with the FA's decision. It appears quite farcical that the FA have the power to decide whether a right of arbitration applies as against themselves. The FA have also made it quite clear that if Farsley and Burscough seek a ruling from the court and are unsuccessful they will seek substantial costs from them. This is clearly an attempt by the FA to deny two small football clubs a fair hearing and goes against all the principles of natural justice and in my view against the FA's own arbitration rules.
In any event we have decided to take this matter before the courts and we are attempting to arrange a hearing at court on 2.00 Thursday 12th May 2005 because we believe we have a right to a fair hearing and will not be bullied by the FA." Wednesday, 11th May 2005

League Championship for Under-17s Also In tonight's vital youth game on Victoria Park Burscough played Tarleton Corinthians with the winners being crowned league champions of the Lancashire Evening Post League Youth Division and it was Burscough Under-17s who came out on top by three goals to nil to complete a league and cup double for the second successive season. On target were Karl Ledsham, Joe Cawley & Anthony Bennett.
Tuesday, 10th May 2005

League Championship for Youth Team The Youth Team tonight clinched the Lancashire Floodlit Youth League championship with a 3-0 win away at Colne. Well done lads, you've had a great season.
Monday, 9th May 2005

Double Cup Success for Under-17s Burscough Under-17s have completed a double by winning both cup competitions in the Lancashire Evening Post Sunday League Youth Division. At the County Ground, Leyland, last Tuesday night, Burscough Under-17s beat Coppull United by 5-1 with goals from Joe Cawley (4) and Anthony Tomlinson.
Earlier in the evening at the same venue, the Under-17s reserve side (who play in Division 2) beat Fulwood Colts (from Diviiiision 1) by 1-0 - goal scorer Tom Taylor.
Apologies to the Under-17s for the delay in reporting their success amidst all the other events of the past week.
Sunday, 8th May 2005

Update on Play-Off Fiasco Burscough have protested to the Football Association regarding their decision to award three points to all of Spennymoor's unplayed opponents, only to be told that the decision was ‘final and binding’ and they had no right of appeal. The club have since appointed a firm of solicitors experienced in football matters in order to fight the decision through the courts if necessary and will share legal costs with Yorkshire club Farsley Celtic, who lost out on the League Championship through the FA decision.
On Thursday afternoon the club wrote to the UniBond League requesting that the play-off semi-finals due to be played last Saturday be postponed or the club would seek an injunction on Friday morning in an attempt to prevent the play-offs going ahead. The League have now postponed the play-offs by one week.
The FA had promised to supply a copy of the Appeals Tribunal ruling on Friday but this did not arrive as we understand it has not yet been released by the FA’s legal department. When this ruling has been studied by the club and its solicitors a final decision will be made as to what the next course of action will be.
Sunday, 8th May 2005

Play-Offs Deferred Again Further announcement from the Unibond League:
"Due to further complications with regards to the complex issue of Spennymoor United's unfulfilled fixtures, the Premier Division Play Offs have been put back one week. The semi-finals will now take place on Saturday 14th May and the final the following mid-week."
Friday, 6th May 2005

Press Statement Following the FA's decision today to reverse the UniBond League's decision to expunge the playing record of Spennymoor United the Board of Directors have unanimously decided to appeal to the FA against the decision and have issued the following press statement.

"At a Board Meeting held this evening, Wednesday 4th May, the Directors of Burscough Football Club unanimously decided to appeal against the Football Association's ruling to overturn the decision made by the UniBond League to expunge the playing record of Spennymoor Ubnited FC.
The FA's decision to reverse the UniBond League's ruling, in which they implemented the league rules, and further to award three points to all teams who have not played Spennymoor for each unplayed league game has in effect denied Burscough FC the opportunity to take part in the UniBond League playoffs for promotion to Conference North by relegating them from 5th to 6th position in the League by awarding Prescot Cables six points for two unplayed games against Spennymoor.
On behalf of the board, Burscough Chairman Chris Lloyd stated that "We have absoutely no axe to grind with the UniBond League who simply followed their rules or with our friends and neighbours at Prescot Cables but we are understandably surprised and disappointed at the FA decision and have decided to mount an appeal. We owe it to our management staff, players, committee members and all our sponsors and fans to do everything we possibly can to have the FA reconsider their decision and we have this evening written and faxed them confirming our intention to appeal."
Wednesday, 4th May 2005

Burscough Out of Play-Offs Latest statement from Unibond League:
"The FA has overturned the UniBond League’s Board decision to expunge the playing record of Spennymoor United. As a result Spennymoor United’s playing record will be re-instated into the league records.
In addition the FA have awarded 3 points to the team for each game outstanding against Spennymoor United, although no goals for or against will be allocated.
The UniBond Premier Division League table will be adjusted accordingly. "

This means that Burscough have three points re-instated, but Prescot Cables gain six points for their two unplayed games against Spennymoor which gives them 71 points to Burscough's 70 and puts them into 5th position and the play-offs !!! Hyde United become champions instead of Farsley Celtic and the line-up for the play-offs is Workington v Prescot Cables and Farsley Celtic v Whitby Town.

The Burscough FC Board of Directors are holding an emergency meeting tonight (Wednesday) to decide their reaction to this unexpected development.
Wednesday, 4th May 2005

Junior Section 7-a-Side Tournament
Took place at Victoria Park over the Bank Holiday Weekend, Sunday/Monday, 1st/2nd May.

Click HERE for many more pictures from the week-end

Tuesday, 3rd May 2005

Latest Play-Offs News Latest Unibond League statement:
"At the emergency board meeting held on the 1st May 2005, the Board of the Northern Premier Football League confirmed their decision to expunge Spennymoor United's playing record. This decision is subject to appeal, and in the event of any such appeal, it is anticipated that an FA Tribunal will meet on Wednesday 4th May to decide the outcome.
The semi-finals of the Premier Division Play-Offs will take place, provisionally, on Saturday 7th May with the final scheduled for the following midweek ."
Sunday, 1st May 2005

Play-Offs Deferred The Unibond League today issued the following statement:
"The League's Board of Directors and Officers are well aware of the confusion caused by the uncertainty associated with Spennymoor United's failure to complete their fixtures for the current season. They recognise the urgent need to keep all member clubs and other participants, fans, media etc, abreast of the current position after a most active week of events.
At their meeting on Sunday 24th April the Board decided to expunge the record of Spennymoor United from the Premier Division table which resulted in three clubs - Gateshead, Hyde United and Workington - appealing to the Football Association against this decision. One of the grounds of appeal by all three clubs was that the meeting on the 24th April was not quorate and after obtaining legal advise this view was confirmed by the F.A. who recommended to the League that they withdraw their decision and take the matter back to be considered by a meeting that was quorate. The question of whether or not the meeting was quorate rested on the legal interpretation as to the validity of proxy votes submitted by directors who were unable to attend the meeting.
On receipt of the notification from the F.A. the League decided to urgently call an emergency board meeting but regrettably this has not been possible during the current week as due to the unavailability of directors for various reasons - a declaration of interest, holidays, prior engagements/work commitments - they were unable to arrange a meeting that was quorate.
The emergency board meeting will now take place on Sunday, 1st May when the directors will decide on how to treat Spennymoor United's record and then agree the dates for the Premier Division play-offs bearing in mind that their decision on the treatment of the record may be the subject of appeal.
Under these circumstances it is therefore unlikely that the semi-finals of the Premier Division play-offs will take place on the original scheduled date of Monday 2nd May. However, with the cooperation of all parties it is hoped they could be played later that week with the Final tie still taking place on Saturday, 7th May or as soon as possible thereafter.
As the decision to expunge the record of Spennymoor United has been referred back to the League, the Premier Division table will now be published in two formats - one with Spennymoor United's record included and one with it expunged - both with an appropriate footnote as neither will be final and binding until any potential appeal process is completed.
The League regrets the confusion, uncertainty and embarrassment caused to all participants by this extremely complex issue.
A further statement will be issued after Sunday's board meeting."
Friday, 29th April 2005

Revised League Table At a meeting held today, 24th April, the Unibond League have decided that, in view of their nine unplayed games, Spennymoor United's record for the season is to be completely deleted from the league table.
Burscough, having lost 2-1 at Spennymoor and beaten them 5-0 at home, will therefore lose three points. The revised league table now looks like this (updated Thursday, 28th April)::
                              P      Pts   Goal Diff.
Farsley Celtic          39     79     39
Hyde United             39     79     33
Workington              39     79     35
Whitby Town            39     76     16
Burscough               39     64     14
Prescot Cables        39     62       8
Witton Albion           39     60     13
Leek Town               40     57     11
Guiseley                  39     57       6
Radcliffe Borough     39     55      -3
Matlock Town          39     51      -9
Wakefield-Emley      39     48      -7
Lincoln United          39     46     -11
Blyth Spartans         39     43      -6
Marine                    39     43       -7
Ossett Town            39     41     -10
Gateshead              39     41     -25
Frickley Athletic      39     39     -15
Bishop Auckland     39     37     -18
Bridlington Town      39     32     -19
Bamber Bridge        39     30     -45

The only team which can now deny Burscough 5th place and the final play-off spot is Prescot Cables who have three games still to play, all away from home at Blyth Spartans on Tuesday, Wakefield-Emley on Thursday and Guiseley on Saturday. Burscough's final game is at Lincoln United on Saturday.
Sunday, 24th April 2005

Spennymoor United The Unibond League have issued the following statement regarding Spennymoor United:
"Following their failure to fulfil the scheduled midweek fixtures against Prescot Cables and Leek Town, Spennymoor United have now informed the League that they will not be completing their fixtures for the remainder of the season. This leaves nine games unplayed – Leek Town and Prescot Cables (both home and away), Bridlington Town and Radcliffe Borough (both home), Hyde United, Lincoln United and Marine (all away). The League’s Board of Directors are to meet on Sunday, 24th April to consider how these games will be treated in the fairest possible manner to all Premier Division member clubs. The Board will also consider what further action may be taken against Spennymoor United FC."
Saturday, 16th April 2005

Game at Gateshead Re-Arranged The game at gateshead will now be played on Tuesday, 5th April (kick-off 8.00pm). instead of Wednesday, 6th April as peviously arranged.
Tuesday, 29th March 2005

Kick-Off Time v Hyde United Please note that the game at Hyde United on Easter Monday kicks off at 7.45pm and not 3.00pm
Sunday, 20th March 2005

Lancashire Marsden Trophy The final will be played over two legs. First leg at Burscough on Wednesday, 13th April (7.45pm) and the second leg at Accrington on Tuesday, 26th April.
Burscough's league game at home to Ossett Town has been moved forward by one day to Monday, 11th April
Tuesday, 8th March 2005

Youth Team Honour Everton have invited Burscough's Youth team to play the Republic of Ireland's national youth side next week. The game will be played at Everton's Academy on Wednesday, 9th March, kick-off 7.00 pm. Result: Eire 0 Burscough 0 Thursday, 3rd March 2005

Under-17s Reach Final The Burscough Under-17 side last Sunday reached the final of the Lancashire Evening Post Sunday Youth League Cup with a 4-0 victory over AFC Lostock Hall in the semi-final. Goal scorers were Joe Cawley 3 and goalkeeper Zak Hibbert with a penalty. Cawley's hat-trick was his seventh of the season - three for the Under-17s, three for the Under-18s and one for the reserve team.

Back from left:
John Fletcher (Under-18s coach), Michael Richards, Ray Gore, Craig Cushion, Steve Madden, Zack Hibbert, Anthony Tomlinson, Andy Clark, Alex Wright (Under-17s coach)
Front from left:
John Gibson, Andrew Shields, Andy Stewart, Anton Richards, Chris Sheehan, Matty Walton, Joe Cawley
Wednesday, 23rd February 2005

Pitch Inspection Burscough v Workington - Tuesday, 22nd February, 7.45pm. There will be a pitch inspection at 3.00pm.
Latest news 3pm - pitch in excellent condition, game is definitely on.
Tuesday, 22nd February 2005

Andy Barlow Re-Signs Ex-Linnet 20-year old Andy Barlow has re-signed for Burscough from Witton Albion.

Andy Barlow

Wednesday, 16th February 2005

Presentation to Roly Howard Before the start of the game against Marine tonight, a presentation was made by Burscough FC Supporters Club to Marine manager Roly Howard to mark his retirement at the end of the season after 33 years in that post.

Supporters Club Chairman Bill Ashcroft, along with George Clandon and John Yates, makes the presentation.
(Picture by courtesy of Bob Jones at Marine FC)

Tuesday, 15th February 2005

Pre-Season Friendly Looking ahead a bit, but the first pre-season friendly has been arranged !
Burscough v Oldham Athletic
Tuesday, 19th July (7.30pm)
Friday, 11th February 2005

Lancashire Marsden Trophy Draw The draw for the semi-finals of the Lancashire Marsden Trophy is as follows:
Accrington Stanley v Bamber Bridge
Burscough v Skelmersdale United
Game to be played on Wednesday, 2nd March (7.45pm).
Tuesday, 8th February 2005

Free Admission for Children It has been agreed that for all remaining league games at Victoria Park this season one child aged 12 or under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, 6th February 2005

Steve McNulty Moves On Burscough central defender and captain Steve McNulty this evening signed for Conference North club Vauxhall Motors. The Victoria Park club will receive a fee of £3,500 for the 21 year-old former Liverpool player plus a 20% share of any future sell-on fee.Burscough Press Officer Stan Strickland said:
“We offered Steve attractive terms earlier in the season to sign a new contract as his present one finishes in May but he was keen to play at a higher level and wanted to keep his options open and see who might come in for him once he became a free agent. If this had happened we would have been at the mercy of a tribunal deciding what compensation we were entitled to so it made sense to accept this offer with only about 11 weeks of the season remaining. Manager Derek Goulding had the final say and made it clear that he didn’t want to keep a player who was not totally committed to the club. Steve is a player with the ability to play at a much higher level and we wish him well with his new club.”
Friday, 4th February 2005

Unibond League Cup Draw The draw for the semi-finals of the Unibond League Cup is as follows:
Matlock Town v Burscough
Whitby Town v Willenhall Town
To be played on Saturday, 5th March
Wednesday, 26th January 2005

Burscough Football Club –
Press Statement Authorised by Chairman Chris Lloyd Chris Lloyd has announced that he is standing down as chairman and director of Burscough Football Club, citing that the situation at the club had now become intolerable. As a direct result of Chris’s decision fellow board members Dave McIlwain, Stan Strickland, Andy MacGregor and Keith Crawford have announced that they will also be standing down as directors.
“The actions of one director who refuses to act in accordance with the wishes of the board is undermining my position and placing the club in serious financial jeopardy as it is impossible for me to invest further in the club or invite others to invest while the situation remains like this,” explained Chris Lloyd.
“The financial backing from myself and other directors this season has enabled the club to strengthen its wages budget and improve the team through the signing of striker Paul Gedman for example. It is particularly disappointing therefore, that when the team are playing so well and future prospects were looking so promising I am forced into this decision and I believe a great opportunity to move forward with everyone working together positively for the club has been missed. Like my fellow directors we all have personal responsibilities and unfortunately we will now have to withdraw our financial support for the club.”
Wednesday, 19th January 2005

Lancashire Marsden Trophy Draw The draw for the 3rd Round of the Lancashire Marsden Trophy is as follows:
Radcliffe Borough v Atherton Colls or Bamber Bridge
Morecambe v Accrington Stanley
Barrow or Fleetwood v Skelmersdale Utd
Southport v Burscough
To be played on Tuesday, 25th January at Haig Avenue (7.45pm)
Friday, 14th January 2005

Gateshead Postponement Today's game at Gateshead has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Saturday, 8th January 2005

Bamber Bridge Postponement Today's game at Bamber Bridge has been called off due to a frozen pitch.
Monday, 27th December 2004

Unibond League Cup In the fourth round, to be played on Saturday, 22nd January, Burscough have been drawn away to North Ferriby United.
Wednesday, 22nd December 2004

Lancashire FA Youth Cup Despite struggling to field a team, and with goalkeeper Zack Hibbert playing as a striker, Burscough Under-18s gained a tremendous 3-2 victory at Thornton Cleveleys on Sunday in the Lancashire Under-18 Youth Cup. Scorers were Steve Madden, Karl Ledsham & Peter Owens.
Burscough had asked the Lancashire FA for permission to postpone the game until next Sunday with the FA Youth Cup Tie at home to Preston North End only three days later. Despite the support of Thornton Cleveleys, this request was refused with no explanation offered.This lack of support by the County FA ahead of such a prestigious game is, to say the least, somewhat disappointing.
Sunday, 12th December 2004

Youth Team v PNE The FA Youth Cup 3rd Round game against Preston North End will be played at Victoria Park on Wednesday, 15th December (kick-off 7.45pm)
Monday, 29th November 2004

Lancashire Marsden Trophy The draw for the Second Round is as follows:
Chorley v Radcliffe Borough
Skelmersdale Utd v Ramsbottom Utd
Atherton LR v Accrington Stanley
Burscough v Colne
Barrow v Fleetwood Town
Morecambe v Nelson
Leigh RMI v Southport
Atherton Collieries v Bamber Bridge
Matches to be played week commencing 10th January.
Friday, 26th November 2004

Unibond League Cup Draw If Burscough beat Bamber Bridge in the League Cup 2nd Round game on Tuesday 7th December, they will be at home in the following round to Radcliffe Borough on Saturday, 18th December.
If they lose to Bamber Bridge, then they will go into the Presidents Cup with an away tie at Gateshead on 18th December.
Thursday, 25th November 2004

North End It Is Youth team beat Lye Town tonight 1-0 (scorer Dave Dempsey) in FA Youth Cup 2nd Round. The home game against Preston North End in the next round is to be played by 18th December.
Wednesday, 24th November 2004

FA Youth Cup, 3rd Round Draw If Burscough get through their Second Round game at Lye Town (Wednesday, 24th November) they will be at home to Preston North End in the next round
Thursday, 18th November 2004

Fixture Postponements The Unibond League Cup match at Bamber Bridge, scheduled for next Tuesday, 16th November, has been postponed. New date is Tuesday, 7th December (7.45pm)
The youth team game at home to Ramsbottom on Thursday, 11th November has also been postponed.
Wednesday, 10th November 2004

FA Trophy Draw In the second round of the FA Trophy, Burscough have been drawn away to Kettering Town. Match to be played on Saturday, 27th November.
Monday, 8th November 2004

Prestigious Junior Award

Presentation of Charter Standard Status to the club's Junior Section Chairman Brian King by Liverpool FA officials at today's FA Trophy game. Vice-Chairman Steve Gamble is on the left.

Burscough FC’s Junior section are proud to announce that their application for the Football Association's Charter Standard Development Club status was confirmed at a recent meeting of Liverpool County FA.
Steve Gamble, Vice Chairman of the Junior section stated:
" This is an extremely prestigious award in Junior football circles and we are delighted to have achieved this standard. The award provides our club with recognition for safe and quality provision of football related activities. Everyone concerned with the club should feel assured that the Junior section is run and operated on a fully professional basis and the welfare and safety of all of the children involved is paramount in its dealings. Our key guiding principle of Equal Opportunity for all to participate in local community based football is recognised by the awarding body."

Chairman of the Junior section Brian King added:
"This award provides the opportunity to build a foundation for the future in allowing the Senior Club to benefit from the potential funding streams available to Charter Standard clubs, and it is hoped that together the club can now utilise these benefits and mutual synergies to assist in the ongoing development plans and to make Burscough FC an even bigger force in football by attaining a true Community based presence in the area.
All involved in the Junior section should take equal credit in helping to achieve this award and the gratitude of the club Committee goes out to all of those who have contributed to this recognition through their physical, financial and moral support which is critical in ensuring that the club continues to grow and prosper."

The F.A. Charter Standard mark is awarded to a select number of clubs who are able to demonstrate certain quality standards relating to the critical areas of Child Protection, First Aid and Coaching qualifications, Financial and administrative stability, Codes of Conduct for all involved in the club and general behaviours and principles in accord with the standards laid down by the governing body. These standards must be stringently applied on a continuously monitored basis. Great comfort can be taken from this award to all involved in Junior football in Burscough that the sporting welfare of the children is in secure hands for years to come.

Chairman of Burscough Football Club, Chris Lloyd, offered his congratulations and said he was delighted that the efforts of all concerned with the Junior Section had been recognised and added that the award would be extremely beneficial in helping to raise the profile of the club as a whole. Chris also acknowledged the personal amount of time and effort put in by Steve and Brian to achieve this tremendous award.
Saturday, 6th November 2004

FA Youth Cup Draw In the Second Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup, Burscough have been drawn away to Eastwood Town or Lye Town (who play their game next week on 10th November)
Thursday, 4th November 2004

Unibond League Cup Draw In the Unibond League Cup 2nd Round Burscough have been drawn away to Bamber Bridge. Match to be played Tuesday, 16th November (7.45pm)
Monday, 1st November 2004

Progress in FA Youth Cup The youth team this afternoon won 2-0 at Ryton in the FA Youth Cup with goals from David Dempsey and Karl Ledsham and will now play Bradford City at Valley Parade on Wednesday, 3rd November (7.30pm) in the First Round proper. This is the sixth time in seven seasons that the team has reached this stage of the competition.
Sunday, 31st October 2004

Management Changes Chris Stammers has been promoted from reserve team coach to become assistant manager to Derek Goulding. Appointed to take charge of the reserve side with immediate effect is Paul Comstive.
Paul has playing experience with several north west League clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Rochdale, Wigan Athletic, Burnley, Bolton Wanderers, Wrexham and Chester City. He also had a short spell as assistant manager with Southport.
Tuesday, 26th October 2004

FA Youth Cup Burscough are away to North-East club Ryton in the 3rd Qualifying Round of this competition on Sunday, 31st October. The winners have been drawn away to Bradford City in the First Round Proper.
Saturday, 23rd October 2004

Pitch Inspection There will be a pitch inspection at 9.00am tomorrow morning to decide whether Burscough's game against Bishop Auckland at Spennymoor goes ahead. Match Postponed Friday, 22nd October 2004

Youth Team Game Postponed Tomorrow night's game against Colne at Victoria Park has been postponed.
Wednesday, 20th October 2004

Supporters Coach to Tamworth The Supporters Club are running a coach to Tamworth for the FA Cup match on Saturday, 30th October, departing from the ground at 11.30 Fare: £13 Adults £6.50 Juniors Seats can be booked by contacting either Dave Aindow on 01704-892946 or John Yates on 01704-892171

Click HERE for directions to ground at Tamworth
Wednesday, 20th October 2004

Dates for Cup Matches The Liverpool Senior Cup match against Southport at Victoria Park has now been rearranged for Tuesday 23rd November and Holker Old Boys will be the visitors on Tuesday 9th November in the Lancashire Marsden Trophy.
Tuesday, 19th October 2004

FA Cup Draw - 4th Qualifying Round Burscough have been drawn away to Tamworth !!!! (Honest!) To be played on Saturday 30th October.
Monday, 18th October 2004

Lancashire Marsden Trophy Draw The draw for the first round is as follows:
Leigh RMI v Marine, Atherton LR v Blackpool Mechs, Nelson v Gt Harwood Town, Burscough v Holker Old Boys, Padiham v Colne, Skelmersdale United v Lancaster City, Squires Gate v Ramsbottom United, Kendal Town v Fleetwood Town, Bamber Bridge v Rossendale United, Barrow v Clitheroe, Southport v Bacup Borough, Darwen v Atherton Collieries.
Teams receiving byes: Morecambe, Chorley, Accrington Stanley, Radcliffe Borough
The date of the game against Holker is to be arranged.
Saturday, 16th October 2004

Liverpool Senior Cup The first round game against Southport will be played at Victoria Park on Tuesday, 9th November (7.45pm) provided neither side is involved in an FA Trophy replay.
Thursday, 14th October 2004

Further Progress in the Youth Cup The youth team progressed to the next stage of the FA Youth Cup, where they are away to either Ryton or Workington, after a 6-1 demolition of Stalybridge Celtic at Bower Fold last night (see match report).
Thursday, 14th October 2004

FA Cup Draw Burscough are away at Ashton United in the 3rd Qualifying Round, to be played on Saturday, 16th October (3.00pm)
Monday, 4th October 2004

Early Kick-Off at Farsley Would supporters please note that the league game at Farsley Celtic on Saturday, 9th October will kick off at 1.00pm owing to the England v Wales game being televised later that afternoon.
Wednesday, 29th September 2004

FA Cup Draw Burscough have been drawn away to Skelmersdale United in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, to be played on Saturday, 2nd October
Monday, 20th September 2004

Youth Team Through to Next Round The youth team this afternoon beat Willington 5-1 at Victoria Park in the Preliminary Round of the FA Youth Cup. Scorers were Maddon, Andy Tomlinson (3) and Bennett.
In the next round they are away to Worksop Town on Sunday, 3rd October (3.00pm). Click HERE for match pictures Sunday, 19th September 2004

Marine Game Off on Tuesday Night Marine v Burscough on Tuesday 21st September has been postponed owing to Marine's involvement in an FA Cup replay.
Saturday, 18th September 2004

Liverpool Senior Cup Draw In the first round of the Liverpool Senior Cup Burscough will be at home to Southport - date to be arranged. The winners will then be at home to Marine in the next round.
Thursday, 16th September 2004

Win for Youth Team In an excellent game at Victoria Park tonight, the youth team beat Accrington Stanley 1-0 with a goal from Steve Maddon in the 93rd minute.
Monday, 13th September 2004

Change of Date for Youth Team Game The youth team gane against Accrington Stanley at Victoria Park, scheduled for Wednesday 15th September, has been brought forward to Monday 13th September.
Sunday, September 12th 2004

Danny Stone Released Danny Stone has been released. Danny has been frustrated at not being in the first team squad and manager Derek Goulding has therefore agreed to his request to cancel his registration. We wish Danny well in his search for first team football elsewhere.
Friday, September 10th 2004

FA Cup Burscough's opponents in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup will Retford United of the Northern Counties East League Div 1 who beat Jarrow 1-0 in last night's replay. The match is at Victoria Park on Saturday 18th September (3.00pm)
Wednesday, September 8th 2004

Reserve Game Postponed Friday night's reserve fixture at home to Leigh RMI has been postponed as Skelmersdale United will again be using Victoria Park on Saturday for an FA Cup match against Stocksbridge Park Steels
Thursday, September 2nd 2004

Supporters' Coach to Whitby There are still a few seats available on the coach to the match at Whitby on Saturday, 4th September (dep. from ground at 09.30). Contact Richard Aindow - 01704-892946
Tuesday, August 31st 2004

New Signing Burscough last night signed Danny Stone, a 21-year old defender previously with Southport. Started with Blackburn Rovers before joining Notts County where he made 21 appearances for the first team.
Friday, August 20th 2004

New Director Appointed Andy MacGregor was last week appointed to Burscough Football Club’s board of directors. Andy is the managing director of Branded Telecoms Ltd, who are BT’s local business partner for Liverpool, Southport and Ormskirk. The 35 year old, who originally hails from Devon, now lives with his family in Aughton and has expressed his delight at his appointment: “I feel honoured to invest and help with Burscough FC, and I am looking forward to working with the club and the local community in order to grow the club as it continues its success in the Unibond League and potentially the Northern Conference and above.”
Monday, August 16th 2004

Invitation to Local Businesses Burscough are currently contacting local businesses with an invite to come along and meet with the club’s directors and officials at an informal evening at the Beaufort Hotel, Burscough on Thursday 2nd September 2004, commencing 7.30 pm.
Press Officer Stan Strickland: “It will be an ideal opportunity for business people to come along and see what the club is all about and discuss how they might get involved. The club’s directors will be delighted to buy guests a drink and discuss Burscough FC’s exciting plans for the future. There will also be representatives of the club’s Junior Section and Supporters’ Club present. Any businesses interested in attending should contact chairman Chris Lloyd on 07803 921000 or director Andy MacGregor on 07739 265925.”
Monday, August 16th 2004

Shareholders Meeting The club’s company secretary, Stan Petherbridge, will shortly be sending out invitations to share-
holders to attend this year’s Annual General Meeting which is expected to be held at Victoria Park next month.
Monday, August 16th 2004

Youth Team Game On Wednesday of next week (18th August) Burscough's Youth team will be at home to Bates College from Lewiston, Maine, USA. Kick-off is 7.30 pm.
Wednesday, August 11th 2004

Clitheroe match postponed Tonight's friendly game at Clitheroe has been postponed owing to a flooded pitch.
Tuesday, August 10th 2004

Chorley instead of Connahs Quay The pre-season friendly on Tuesday, 3rd August will be against Chorley and not Connahs Quay Nomads who have pulled out because of an injury crisis.
Sunday, August 1st 2004

Reduced Admission for Friendlies For the pre-season games against Skelmersdale United, Chorley and Warrington Town on 31st July, 3rd and 14th August respectively, admission will be reduced to £5. Concessions at £3 Seniors and £2 Juniors.
Wed, July 28th 2004

Connell Moves On Darren Connell, joint leading scorer for Burscough last season, has signed for Dr.Martens League side Grantham Town.
Wed, July 28th 2004

McNulty to Stay The club have agreed terms with Steve McNulty and he will be staying with Burscough next season. He has been taken off the transfer list.
Wed, July 7th 2004

Cup Draws In the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup on Saturday 18th September, Burscough are at home to either Jarrow Roofing Boldon CA or Retford United and in the First Round of the FA Trophy on Saturday 6th November are at home to Guiseley.
In the Preliminary Round of the FA Youth Cup, the youth team are at home to Willington, match to be played week commencing September 13th. A visit to Worksop Town will follow if they are successful.
Fri, July 2nd 2004

New Season Fixtures Burscough kick-off the 2004/05 season in the new-look Unibond Premier Division on Saturday 21st August with an attractive home game against Bridlington Town. On the following Tuesday night they visit (yet again!) old rivals Radcliffe Borough and on Saturday 28th August make the long trek to Blyth Spartans. Click here for full fixture list. Fri, July 2nd 2004

New Signing - Paul Gedman 23 year old striker Paul Gedman last night signed for Burscough from Bangor City.

Paul is a former English and British Universities player who has played much of his football in Wales with Wrexham, TNS Llansantffraid and Cefn Druids before joining Bangor. Also has Conference experience with Halifax Town.

Thurs, July 1st 2004

McNulty Available for Transfer Burscough have transfer listed their 20 year old centre back and captain Steve McNulty. A fee will be required and enquiries should only be made through club chairman Chris Lloyd on 07803 921000.

Press officer Stan Strickland said:
“Steve has been offered improved terms for next season and we are still hopeful that he will remain a Burscough player, however, he is understandably ambitious to progress in the game and we promised him when he signed from Liverpool at the start of last season that we would not stand in his way if an offer came along that was right for both Steve and the club.”
Thurs, June 24th 2004

Frank Parr Steps Down UniBond League Premier Division club Burscough’s long-serving chairman Frank Parr has announced that he is stepping down after 30 years in charge at Victoria Park, although he will continue as a director of the club.
The new chairman is 44-year-old Ormskirk businessman Chris Lloyd, who was elected to the board last season.
A founding committee member of Burscough FC in 1946, Frank Parr was appointed chairman in the summer of 1974 and in his first season the Linnets won the Cheshire League Cup. There followed three appearances in the first round proper of the FA Cup before the club took their place in the newly-formed North West Counties League in 1982, going on to win the inaugural league championship.
Although success on the football field was sparse during the remainder of that decade Frank was at the forefront as a major re-development of Victoria Park began, with a new grandstand built and new floodlights erected.
However, it was in the nineties that all his hard work and dedication really began to pay off as Burscough entered the most successful period in its history, over an eight year period going from the Second Division of the North West Counties League to the Premier Division of the UniBond League, then, in May 2003, came the greatest moment of all with that sensational FA Trophy win at Villa Park. Frank described it as his greatest day in his fifty-seven years with the club and it was fitting that the Sky TV cameras were there to capture the occasion and his emotional reaction as the final whistle sounded.

Frank (pictured above with the FA Trophy) said:
“At a recent board meeting I resigned my position as chairman of Burscough Football Club, a position I have held for nearly 30 years. I will remain as a director of the club.
”For many years generating income for all football clubs has been difficult, Burscough being no exception. Last year Chris Lloyd joined the board of directors and now feels he can attract substantial investment into the club, allowing the club to sustain the success of recent years.
”I said nearly two years ago that if somebody wanted to invest in the club then I would have no hesitation in standing down from my position. Chris Lloyd has detailed his plans to the board of directors and they unanimously accepted his proposals, and I would like to wish him all the very best as the new chairman, and hope that he can take the club on to a new level over the coming years.
”During my time as chairman, the club have has had many highs and lows, but we have continually tried to progress. The highlight for me was undoubtedly the FA Trophy at Villa Park in 2003, the whole occasion was marvellous in itself, winning was simply the icing on the cake.
”In the last 30 years I have been very fortunate to work with some wonderful managers such as Kenny Spencer, George Rooney, Bryan Griffiths, Russ Perkins and John Davison. During this same period I have also made many good friends and I would like to thank my fellow board members, all members of the management committee, past and present. Lastly, but most importantly our supporters. They have trusted my judgement at all times, supported me personally, especially during the difficult times – I feel the FA Trophy success was a fitting reward for us all.
”Burscough Football Club may not have been the richest club or the best supported club, but in the world of football it is held with great affection, where you can expect a warm welcome and high professional standards – long may this continue.”

New chairman Chris Lloyd said:
“I am excited to be given the opportunity to lead Burscough into the next stage of its development. Over the past six months I have been impressed by the support given by directors, committee members, players, backroom staff and supporters. Everyone involved has been magnificent and with enthusiasm like this I feel I have a head start regarding the job in hand.
”From day one my ambitions for the club have been extremely high, but the club does have the potential to reach these heights, and with hard work we will achieve them. These are exciting times although we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground and move on professionally.
”I have been very impressed with the youth and junior sections of the club and look forward to working with everyone involved. The club has a unique chance to bring the community links together and this is just one area I will be striving to build on.
”I would like to take this opportunity to pass on my thanks to Frank Parr for his one hundred percent commitment to the club as chairman over the past 30 years and his support to me personally over the past six months. Frank will continue to work as a board member and his experience will be invaluable over the coming months.”

Press Officer Stan Strickland said:
“It was marvellous to see Frank get so much of the adulation at Villa Park, scenes repeated during the incredible welcome back in Burscough later that evening. Never has anyone deserved it more. However, there must have been many times during his period in charge when he would never have believed he would see such a day.
“Amongst Frank’s most admirable qualities have been his fortitude in the face of adversity and probably the greatest testimony to his 30 years as chairman has been his ability to manage the club through several periods of crisis so providing the platform for much of the success of recent seasons.”
Wed, June 16th 2004

Press Statement - Saturday, 5th June UniBond League Burscough have withdrawn their threat to appeal against the decision to award the final Conference North place to Ashton United following the personal intervention of Conference chief executive John Moules.
Stan Strickland, press officer for the 2003 FA Trophy winners, said:
“We still feel very strongly that as the UniBond League play-off runners-up we should have been given the spare place following Northwich’s escape from relegation, however, it was clear after speaking to John that a pending appeal by Burscough could have thrown the whole restructuring process into chaos ahead of Saturday’s Conference AGM.
“The last thing the non-league game needs at this time is more uncertainty after what has been a long and sometimes painful haul to get the restructuring process this far so we have confirmed that we will not now appeal so that the constitution of the extended Conference can be ratified this weekend.”
Sat, June 5th 2004

Ashton United in Conference North It has just been announced that Ashton United have been awarded the vacant place in Conference North which has resulted from the demise of Telford United. Ashton finished in 14th position in the league while Burscough were runners-up in the play-offs.
Thurs, June 3rd 2004

Admission Charges for Next Season Admission for adults next season will rise from £6 to £7 to bring it in line with most other clubs in the Unibond Premier Division. However, admission for seniors will remain unchanged at £4 and for juniors under-16 will actually be reduced from £3 to £2.
There will be no increase in season ticket prices, remaining unchanged at £100 for adults and £65 for seniors, and being reduced to £35 for juniors.
Season tickets can be obtained by sending a cheque payable to Burscough F.C. Ltd to Victoria Park, Mart Lane, Burscough L40 0SD and enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

Pre-Season Friendlies Tuesday, 20th July: Formby v Burscough (at Edge Hill College, Ormskirk, k.o. 7pm)
Saturday, 24th July: Burscough v Southport
Wednesday, 28th July: Burscough v Wigan Athletic
Saturday, 31st July: Ashton Town v Burscough
Burscough v Skelmersdale Utd
Tuesday, 3rd August: Burscough v Connahs Quay Nomads
Saturday, 7th August: Cammell Laird v Burscough
Poulton Vics v Burscough
Tuesday, 10th August: Clitheroe v Burscough
Saturday,14th August: Burscough v Warrington
Town

New Signing Manager Derek Goulding this afternoon (Sat, 8th May) signed highly rated striker Paul Lamb (22) from Liverpool County Combination side Halewood Town.
Midfielder Tony Stewart has also been signed from the same club.

New Signing Burscough last night (4th May) signed Dave McKearney from Morecambe. The 35 year old defender/midfielder is a former England semi-pro international and has links with Burscough already as he is a nephew of the late Tom Galvin who was a legend in local junior football. Morecambe manager Jim Harvey last week said about McKearney:
"Dave McKearney is sure to go down in the history books as a Morecambe legend. He has been magnificent and has really been appreciated by the crowd and by me.
"He has played in numerous positions, has captained the side and has been a model professional. He has also been a marvellous influence on the rest of the squad"

Terms have also been offered to a highly rated striker and we are optimistic he will sign within the next seven days. We are also due to have talks with another striker at the weekend.
All the players have been offered terms for next season except for Darren Connell who is being released.
The option has been taken up on Steve McNulty's contract and he will be a Burscough player next season.

Dave McKearney