Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 19 August 1932

Changes In Management

Outlook Doubtful

It cannot be pretended that the outlook at Wombwell is good. During the close season the club has passed through a crisis in matters of administration and the policy of “crossing horses” has been going on at a time when plans for the coming campaign were vital.

As recently as three weeks ago the President (Mr. A. E. Allott), the Vice. President (Mr. T. Mackridge) the Secretary (Mr. F. Cuts), and a number of directors, tendered their resignations. These constituted the backbone of the club and their withdrawal is obviously a serious matter.

Mr. Allott has resigned for reasons of health after a twelve years’ association with the club and there is an earnest hope among the supporters that he will shortly  feel justified in re-joining the Board.

The others mentioned have perfectly valid reasons for relinquishing responsibility and their departure will arouse deep regret. Nevertheless these losses have put the club a difficult position at a critical time—so much so that the fielding of a team for the first match against Scunthorpe on August 27 is going to be a matter of extreme difficulty. So far, not more than eight players have been engaged and men are still wanted for the key positions at a time when most Midland League clubs have practically completed their arrangemenls.

For their new President the club has been fortuate in securing the services of Mr. Tom Newsome (picture) one of the directors. Mr. Newsome is  a member of the Wombwell Urban Council and an official of the Mitchell Main Branch of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association. He is one of the stalwarts of club , and has “stuck to the ship” in good fortune and bad.

Another vital step towards recovery has been taken in the appointment of Mr. C. H. Loy (one of the directors), of Myrtle Road Wombwell, as secretary to succeed Mr. Cutts. Mr. Loy is as familiar with the affairs of the club as any individual associated with it. No more capable, person could have been chosen to get a team together at short notice.

The horizon at Wombwell is dark at the moment, but bright spots are the loyalty and enthusiasm of supporters and the intimation that work is to be resumed at Darfield Main Colliery. This means that a thousand more potential supporters will be provided with a livelihood.

Asked to express an opinion on the prospects. Mr. Loy made very guarded comment. He said, ‘We are going to make a big fight to save the club, and we think we shall accomplish it. There is no doubt about that if we get adequate public support. It all depends on the townspeople. This season will decide matters. It is a case of up or down for Midland League football in Wombwell. I am convinced we shall get a team together, but I am not prepared to say what its standing_will be.”

The list of players signed is; Goal: Albert Ward (25, 6ft., 12st.), with Wombwell last season and the only registered Midland Leaguer to be re-engaged; full backs: Billy Clarke (20, 5ft. 8, 11st. 11lb), was with Wombwell’s Sheffield Association League last season; half-backs: George Ellis (21, 6ft. 2in 11st. 5), from Newhill Wesleyans, and has had Midland League experience with Mexborol ; Bradshaw (21. 5ft. 9in, 10 st. 10lb), was a tower of strength in Wombwell’s Sheffield Association League team last campaign; Len Foster (19, 5ft. 10in, 11). a much sought after centre-half, who was with Ardsley last season, also plays fall back; John Crossland (20, 5ft. 9in, 11), from Mitchell Main, did good service in Wombwell’s reserve team in the last campaign; forwards: John Holmes (21 5ft. 9 in, 11), from Wombwell St. Michael’s; W. Jones (21, sft. 81. 11), a native of Low Valley and another graduate of Ardsley; Len Ashmore (22. 5ft. 7in ,10 st. 7lbs), from Attercliffe, did much to lift Wombwell out of the danger zone last season.

Wombwell open their season with an attractive match against Scunthorpe on August 27, and are at home for the Feast and all the principal holidays. Boston provide the attraction on Feast Monday (September 19), and Chesterfield and Rotherham should afford attractive fare for Christmas. Thanks to the supporters the ground is in perfect condition.