There’s a sort of lull before the storm this week with new players having been seen in pre-season games but no final list of which ones have signed, or we would like to sign. No doubt that will be revealed in the coming week but so far it is known that goalkeeper Paul Gibson, , who is ex Man Unt and Notts County, and full back Darren Knowles have signed, and there appears no problem with Mark Bailey.
Graham Lewis has returned to Frickley, where he was on loan last season, but it is not known if this move is permanent or not.
One “signing” that has not happened is Dave Cooke, from Nantwich Town, coming as Assistant Manager. The report carried in last weeks newsletter was old news that went out on the Conference website long after Jimmy Quinn had been informed that Steve Davis was to be his assistant. Apologies for that – not my fault!!
Both Vics and Witton are reported to be taking tonight’s Mid-Cheshire Senior Cup Final seriously. For Albion manager Eddie Bishop there is the strange situation of having winners medals as a player with both Vics and Albion, and having scored for each team against the other. Jimmy Quinn may become the first manager in our long history to win a cup final in his first game in charge? It will provide a good gate and could be the last Derby game played at the Drill Field.
Jimmy Quinn welcomes the game for the competition it will bring. He says the players need to play for real and to feel the tackles going in, something pre-season games don’t usually offer. Vics are away at Altrincham on Saturday (3.0pm) and have an additional game on Monday night when we host Tsukuba University, a leading Japanese team who have produced many professionals for their J League. Admission is free and kick off is 7.45pm.
August 28 – 30 sees the Junior Football Coaching course at the Drill Field being run by Jimmy Quinn, Steve Davis and some of the other players. 10.0am – 3.0pm each day at a cost of £10 per day or £25 for all three. The age range is 6 – 14 and there will be certificates, free tickets for a Vics game and medals for ability, attitude and approach. Our kids went on the last one and I would recommend it!
The Telford home fixture has been put back a week to Tuesday 25th September as we now play away to Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup on the 18th.
Vics look set to announce a new sponsorship deal as Harveys have pulled out after a long relationship with the club.
We are hoping to run a bus to Yeovil for the first game, details later.
Our local Conference neighbours, Chester, appear to have ended their long running love/hate relationship with American Terry Smith. He has sold his shares to an, as yet, unnamed buyer.
Will the Yankee ever be won again? Still no winner so next weeks prize is £2,300. 4 locals won £100 each for a treble.
Finally, since typing this newsletter, I have heard that John Harrop died this morning. John had been in bad health for some time. Those close to the club will be aware of his unstinting support over a very long time in every area of the club. In recent times he was an active member of the Drill Field Trust and a friend to many people. His common sense, approachability and experience will be greatly missed by the club. He leaves a wife, Pearl, to whom I am sure all will extend their sympathy.
