Farny at the far post

League Vice-Chairman Alan Farnworth looks back at season 2008-09

When you come to the end of a Season, for me it always seems like an anti climax rather than a climax to a long hard season. In particular, this season which was dictated by the good old English climate. I say anti climax because approaching the end of April you can usually put your hard earned cash on a particular favourite, but not this year.

What a cracking finish to our Premier League which went right down to the wire on the last day of the season when AFC Fylde beat off their nearest challengers to finally claim their place in the Unibond League, albeit on goal difference.

The 1st Division was a bit more clean cut, with Bootle claiming the title after their Liverpool rivals ran out of steam. Joining them in the Premier Division will be Padiham who finally made it after several near misses.

My congratulations go to all our Clubs, not only to those who took home the silverware but to everyone, players, committees, and in particular the groundsmen who had to contend with the worst winter for 20 years. And let’s not forget our fixture secretary who had to deal with the chaos caused by the weather. Well done John – we salute you.

Whilst I am praising Committee members, a big thank you must go to someone who strictly speaking hasn’t been on our Committee for the last couple of years because of his commitment to Curzon Ashton. Rob Hurst has been producing the newsletter for the last 7 years but has decided to step down in order to spend more time with his family.

I, in particular, due to our grading commitments, have become great friends with Rob and I’m sure that our friendship will last forever, but on behalf of our League & Committee, a big thank you for your contribution to our competition.

As everyone knows, Frank Clayton had a terrible accident on his way home from one of our meetings on the 8th April. After spending more than three weeks in Intensive Care on a life support machine, Frank was transferred to North Manchester General from Wigan Infirmary.

Since then, things are beginning to improve day by day. After several operations I am glad to say that I am now in regular communication with Frank, and he sends his thanks for the many cards he has received. He is probably going to be in hospital for at least three months so it will be a long time before he is able to attend any games. But he assures me he will be back as “good as new” and knowing Frank, as I do, you can put your cash on it.

Just before I go, I want to say a few words about your League Management Committee, who work day in day out to ensure you play in the best possible League.

This season has been the worst I can remember for illnesses. Just when the weather was at its worst! First of all our President, Bill King, had to undergo a hip replacement, following which he had a heart attack. After surgery, Bill is now fit and well and back in the fold.

Following this, our Treasurer, John Parrington, had a heart attack followed by further complications which means we haven’t seen him for a while but I am assured he will soon be fit and well.

Our Senior Vice President, Bob Eccles was also admitted to hospital with a suspected heart attack which thankfully turned out to be a warning.

Our Registration Secretary John Cowley has also been in dock for surgery but he also is now on the mend. So, you see, we also have our problems.

We are also losing a member of our Committee, Mr Peter Evans, who is retiring due to work commitments. Our thanks go to Peter for his contribution this season.

And finally, from myself, I thank you for reading our website. And before you know it, we shall be under our brollys watching the start of a new season.

Enjoy the Summer, mind how you go.

See you on the Far Post.

Farny

The Vodkat League on-line magazine