Happy New Year to everyone, well things seem to be quite at the moment, Kenny and Hag are just getting on with the job and things are going canny on the playing side, its nice to have Patter back, after the holiday DFA gave him, it is like signing a new player and I am sure he will give that bit of crunch in The midfield that has been missing of late, I often think of what it would be like having a midfield of Patter and Jonjo playing alongside Alan Batey and David Bayles.

The rumors of Mattie wanting away have drifted away, Mattie is quite happy at Belle Vue and the club are more than happy to have him, so why do people think he otherwise, I suppose it will rear its ugly head again as the season draws to a close, also Adam Emson seems to be happier now tat he has found his shooting boots.

I have been doing a bit of work on my Belle Vue Bugle, trying to branch out a bit and involve people outside of the club, this I have called The Non League Fanatics Club, I have made contact with numerous people outside of Belle Vue and put a little profile together, I still think Consett AFC are outside of that circle of clubs who write on the Forums, we are still looked upon as a closed shop, and it is time we got more involved with the outside world, the people out there don’t know enough about the club, and think we at Belle Vue are stand offish, something that we are not, so to bring them in to the crack and send out our vibes to them is only a good thing, Bovril Boy,Fast Haircuts Natty Bimmell, Bongeyed Tiger, Pitbull and such are on the write tracks but we need more of the clubs followers to get involved.

I still cant get my head around this Global Warming Crack, look at the games that have been called off recently with Snow and Frost, I cant see where the place is over heating, its just the same as it has always been to me, On the Ice Caps melting ,I think it is a thing that occurs every so often, Me being a Great philosopher I always associate things with things, example You have a deep freeze, when you buy it , it is ice free, when you energize it you can see the ice build up over time, when the freezer is allowed to get to frozen, big junks of ice just drop of the shelves naturally, this to me is the same as the ice caps, originally there was no ice on the land and sea, but with the sheer cold temperatures, ice has built up over the years until the weight of ice got to much and big chunks just naturally broke off and sailed away, the thing is, the weight of the ice brings off more than is naturally expected and the process has to start from scratch, this is in my opinion what is happening now, Whats he going on about you say, has the big lad finally lost the plot.

Well my presence seems to be non-existent at games these days. I have yet to see my first game, but my interest is still 100%. To prove it I have started up an online supporters magazine, aptly named The Belle Vue Bugle. My aim is to keep the fans updated with items of relevance at Belle Vue and also add a bit of fun to things. You will no doubt be thinking, "How does he know what's going on, he is never there?" I am becoming more of a Sleeping Giant these days, but I am always in contact with John (Hurst)> He keeps me informed, and I try to keep you informed likewise. I must credit my old mate Keith Hargreaves with the name "The Belle Vue Bugle". Keith gave me the idea of the name when I tried to set up a paper version of the Mag. The paper version was a good idea, but I found it costly and had a problem getting the finished article out to the public. I think an online version will get to a wider range of fans, it has even reached our Adelaide branch down in Oz courtesy of Jimmy McCusker. So if you haven't already seen it get a look, I would be interested to hear any comments about it. So have a look on www.thebellevuebugle.com and get in touch either by the guest page or by e-mailing me personally on Thesecretarycafc@aol.com

Another thing you will be thinking, why is he still using The Secretary tag. Well I am reluctant to scrap it, I loved every minute of being secretary and feel it is part of my identity. I don't think Pykey will mind, also I am the club's PR secretary so at least I still have some type of secretary to go on.

I was sorry to hear recently that young Clarky had decided to leave the club. John is a great kid, he has a great personality and gives the place a bit of a buzz, but his opportunity on the field was at a minimum and I don't blame the kid for wanting to progress. With not being a regular these day's I don't know if Joe (Kerr) has a new chant, but if he hasn't he will have to find one quickly. He can't chant "Get Clarky On" anymore.

On the Steven Brown scenario I was a little more bemused. I thought Broonie was going to be the New Jeff Sugden and be around until Hell froze over, but there again as he suggests he was going stale, and a move would be a "Kick up the arse ". Good luck to both Kids, Salt of the earth both of them.

Just getting back to me and my presence at games, I have gone through the mill over the past two seasons. Firstly my old fella was quite poorly and just as things were shaping up, I went down with my own problems. I won't bore you with the details, all I will say is, I am feeling better now. Things are panning out canny, and I am chomping at the bit to get back up there. I will need to get there sharpish or the whole squad will be strangers to me. I have never been in this position in all my 20 years at the club, I have always known every player. Nowadays there are almost half of the squad I don't even know. I will have to get up there for that alone. So, Messrs. Baston, Scorer, Cuthbertson, Emson, Heiniger, Scott and Gilmore, get ready to meet the Big Steelman Ham.

Well the new campaign got under way in fine fashion, Suppa Mattie grabbing himself a cool hatrick and an overall good performance from the lads, very encouraging for the next ten months.

On a bright note, Johnna has decided to put retirement on hold. A persistent back problem was thought to be too painful and early retirement was imminent, but he has had second thoughts. After only one game he found the excitement too much to handle.

As I have mentioned, the club were in the market for a new main sponsor. Hargreaves (UK) have decided to part company with the club, I must stress that as a lot of people think, they just walked out on the club, this is not so. The deal was just three years and after long thought have gone for a different approach in the sponsor stakes. The company have decided to share out the finances put aside for sponsorship among numerous small benifactors, and not put all of their eggs in one basket, as they say. On behalf of the club I would like to thank Bob Young and Hargreaves (UK) for their support over the past three seasons, and I am sure they have left the club on a firmer footing the it was three years ago.

Bill Humphreys with the help of John Hurst and Kenny Lindoe have been instrumental in finding the same cash outlay. This time the finance has come in smaller packages, the main one from PREMIER INSURANCE who will be the club's main sponsor and their name will be carried with pride on the strip. Also thanks must go to The GILES HUNTER Partnership, SPECSURE and Consett AUTO REFINISH for making up the financial package that the club have enjoyed over the past three years.

The club have made a few good signings in the summer. Kenny has been a very busy bunny, with his own job and helping out on the commercial side. He has signed Adam Emson from Shildon, Andy Cuthbertson from Chester-le-Street and, as he did last year, signed a player who did not kick a ball for his previous club. Kenny has signed Karl Baston from Prudhoe. Karl, as Mattie did last year, signed for a club in haste and decided to change colours before kicking a ball in anger. Karl had made the move from Newcastle Benfield to Prudhoe but after a little persuasion decided that he really wanted to be a Steelman.

On a sad note Patta is going to be sidelined for a while, due to, all I will say a Sunday league misdemeanor. Durham FA decided that Mark needed a longer rest than his team mates and they have arranged for him to have an extra holiday until early December. He will be a big miss in the centre of The Steelmen's midfield.

Well done to all. Players, Management, Committee and Supporters must be thanked for their efforts during the season, but I must stick my neck out here and thank Bob Young. If it was not for his help this would not have happened, his sheer lust for the club to do well has got us The runners up spot. Anyone who thinks we could have done it with out his help must have a strong pair of Rose tinted glasses. Another reward for the man's determination was his win in the Unitary election along with Jane. Their approach to the job was so professional in every way, just going to prove what the man wants, during his spell with Consett AFC the club has made steady progress, but it is No.1 he wants. I think he would have topped him self if he had not won the Durham seat.

Well getting back to Footy business, isn’t it shite that because Sunderland and Gateshead were in the Final of the D.C.Cup it was played at The Stadium of Light, when we had to play at Nissan? No disrespect to Nissan they are a well run outfit, with some of the best facilities in the County, but it is a bit unfair that we or other clubs in the future not getting the chance to strut their stuff on a Premier League pitch. It's not what you know it's who you know.

Paul is continuing his supporters awards, so if you have not voted hurry up there is not much time left, I think it closes on Friday 16th May, see the website for details. Me and Bovril boy have been unofficially added to the section Disappearing Act of the Season, I don’t know about Bovril Boy but I will be back next year. This season has been a nightmare, the season got underway in August and in early September my pater took ill and I had to nurse him. Just as things were looking to improve, I took ill. I have had loads of tests at the Med Centre and Hospital and I have now been diagnosed, they can now go ahead with the treatment. I think what I have is called FAT BAST**D SYNDROME, every symptom that I have is caused by being a Fat Bast**d, but I have been told that they can treat them, so I will leave it with them.

I think it is a little unfair supporters chowing on about players on the forum. Fans are criticizing the club for not been kept informed about players, I don’t think they realize that to paste club info on the forum only lets all and sundry know what's going on. I’m sure if you went in the bar after the game for a pint or two you will get to know all the crack going, on top of that you will get a bite of bait into the bargain. Consett AFC appreciate the support these days and you need not go without the crack as you are major cog in the wheel. On top of that it would be nice to get some talk ins arranged for next season, where a club panel will answer questions from the floor, come lets get it right.

Well that’s it for this season, I have kept to my word and done an Update every Month, with not being at games I have found it hard, but I have always come up with something.

Well things have gone tits up of late. Out of the FA Vase and now out of the running for the title, that is unless Durham do one of the biggest suicide missions in modern history, and Whitley Bay have a similar hang over to us when we were so cruelly knocked out of the FA Vase. I may be a little premature with the Whitley one, but as I wrote this article, they had just been beat 4-0 in there first leg game, but stranger things have happened, you know what they say "It only takes a minute to score a goal" and they still have 90 minutes left. Good luck any way, I for one will be rooting for yah.

I am trying to put in my head a way of writing this next issue, to save me getting into bother again, but it has to be addressed, one way or another, The Northern Leagues ZERO TOLLERENCE on Foul and abusive language. I am going ahead with my thoughts any way, but to avoid any bother I will only say, during a recent game and not mention who or when, Well during this game John (John Hurst, Chairman) had to approach someone, who a lady had reported to him, was continually using bad language, this person was no problem, he took John’s concern and apologized for his manner, only for a Bruiser of a chap sticking his ore in, requesting John to a punch up in the car park. John was hurt by this, as he was only doing what the Northern League expect clubs to do, when it comes to this, it makes you wonder if it is worthwhile being involved in what they call "OUR BEAUTIFUL GAME" when some one is risking getting hurt. I think we should just leave well alone, if the Northern League want to put something like this in action they should Police it, with selected personnel being chosen to attend games. That would not work would it, neither will expecting clubs to do it either.

As you will have noticed I have been missing from a lot of games this season, well it is an accumulation of one or two personal problems, but I am still there in soul if not in body and my enthusiasm is still very high, I do hope to get back on a regular basis, but I am finding it difficult. As I have reported in the past, that my Pater has been unwell and I needed to be with him, but I have had a recurrence of a problem of my own with my leg. This problem has meant me having a compression bandage from my toes to the knee, and have been unable to get a shoe on, with the weather being of inclement variety I have found it impossible to get out, unless I put a sandal on. I am not that stupid with the way the weather has been.

During my spell at home I have been doing a little bit work for Delves lane and Crookhall Community. It has been a dream of mine to have The Colliery Lodge Banner from Crookhall Colliery Marched into Durham on Miners Gala Day, this dream has now become a reality and things are now in the latter stages, you maybe thinking what the hell is he telling us for, has he finally lost the plot. Well another dream is to fulfill the idea Davy Pyke brought to the club. I would love to see the club being involved in a BIG style Community association, where all sorts of interests could be brought together, just like the Old days of Colliery Welfares and have a Mega CONSETT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION. Each Colliery Welfare had allsorts of clubs, which were amalgamated into one, older people will know that CW’s had Football, Cricket, Boxing, Rugby, Bowls etc etc. If I’m not wrong I believe Crookhall Juniors were one of the pioneers of youth Football in the area, all of these got together on Durham big meeting day and had a great day out, Unfortunately there are no Deep Mines left in the Country but the CW’s still remain.

There could be a great Community Association in Consett if we could get all of the local associations along with the Football Club, Rugby Club, Swimming Club Cricket Club to supply a member to form a sub committee, who knows the boxing club could erect a boxing ring in the car park on match days unless The Northern League come up with something better.

The election for the Local unitary parliament for Co Durham will take place in May. I would like to urge any Steelmen supporters living in the Moorside, Grove Consett (South), Delves Lane, Crookhall and Templetown areas to think carefully when placing their vote. Consett Sponsor Bob Young is up for election and a thought for Bob is essential.

During the three years he has been involved with the sponsorship, he has bent over backwards to help with any issue. When he has been asked to do anything, he has done it in a prompt, professional fashion. As you will know the club has had its most successful spell for years and this goes down to the sheer gutsiness for success that the man possesses, so to have him as our Unitary Councillor would benefit the area greatly. I know personally that he has got things done in my area. The Bus service to Durham a major issue, as I have used the service to visit my dad when he has been in The UHND, and when the service was cancelled it became a nightmare. Having to go into Consett for a bus, put 45 minutes on your journey.

Bob's running partner for the election is Jane Brown. Jane has worked alongside Bob for a while, and is also a very hard working person with an abundance of knowledge in local government, only being pipped narrowly by Freddy Todd in the last local elections. If you don't know Jane she is the good looking one on their election Newsletters.

Were do I start this time, I was probably a bit harsh with my sense of humour last time, with Tow Law and Mike Amos getting the two barrels, but how can I put what went on at Moatside recently in The FA Vase? Well I don’t think I will bother, I will just get my self in a load of trouble again.

At this stage in the procedure I want to tell you a story about the Golfer, at every fairway he screwed at least one ball wide and into the rough, as he went to retrieve it he would drop a ball on the fairway and look a while in the rough, eventually spotting the second ball on the fairway, would tell his mate "oh there it is there". This went on regularly, with him winning matches by cheating his opponent, but at the end of the day, he won the match but lost the game. Not only did he cheat the system; he also cheated himself, and actually got no pleasure winning the matches knowing he had cheated.

Things are going to be hard now until the seasons end, with so many games to play and a relatively small squad. Things are going to be a massive headache for Kenny, if he is to win the title. The Championship is all we have to go for now, and I am sure that Kenny wants this even more now after being bundled out of the Vase so cruelly. I know we have a team that can do it this year, but to be expected to play 50% of the season in the last two and a half months, may be a little too much, but the lads will give it a go. If we get the support that went to Poole and Merstham the lads will get a lift, so come along with a friend or two and cheer the lads on for there title push.

Just on the Poole and Merstham games, the club would like to thank everyone that went down south recently. Their support was greatly appreciated by both the players and officials, so if you were at Poole or Merstham or even both, give your self a pat on the back.

I would also like to wish Whitley Bay all the best in the competition and I would love to see them play Merstham in the Final, and Whitley spoil the day for them like they spoiled ours recently. Condolences go to Dunston, like ourselves so cruelly bundled out, as the competition goes on it is so much harder to accept when you go out, having played so well to get there. I would have loved us all to be in the next round, but it wasn’t to be.

Whitley and Dunston deserved their glory both clubs having some nice people around. Derek and Ian up at Whitley and Billy, John and Mally at Dunston. I rate these lads highly on my football friends list.

It was sad to hear recently of the passing away of Consett Stalwart Harry Dodds. Harry spent many a cold hour in the Pay desk, and pottering around outside keeping the place tidy. Harry hadn’t been for a couple of seasons due to failing health, but he was a Steelman until he died, still wanting someone to pay him a visit with the crack, Harry had been a Steelman fo 50+ years. He was 96.

As Frankie boy once said "Let me try again - let me try again Think of all we had before - let me try once more
We can have it all - you and I again - Just forgive me or I'll die - please let me try again"

I am genuinely sorry to everyone that I have upset with my un-conventional sense of humour, really I am a decent guy, I don’t go out to upset people, and as my supporters on the forum and numerous ones that sent me PM’s I think my apologies have been accepted, and I will carry on. One person who hasn’t is Charlie from Tow Law. Charlie if you didn’t read it called me a Loud Mouthed Buffoon, he said he didn’t know why a decent club like Consett put up with a Loud Mouthed Buffoon like me. I don’t think the man realizes that it was only about ten year ago that the club nearly folded. If it had not been for Andrew Pearson, Geordie McDonald, Mark Hall and myself, the club would have gone T**s up. The secretary, treasurer, and most of the committee had left the ship, and Davy Struthers was having personal problems, so me and Andrew took the Old horse by the reins and kept it in a straight line. Until now, when we can proudly say "The storm was weathered" and to say everyone should keep clear of me, well that’s his opinion. Who’s slagging who now, two wrongs don’t make a right. Never mind, as my pal Steve Morallee said "Lets draw a line under this unfortunate situation".

What I am going to do now is email Mike Amos el supreme at both The Northern Echo and Northern League to vet it before I get it published. Look I've just wrote another controversial issue, there are others at the Echo and Northern League who do equal the amount of graft, but I need to get back into Mike's good books. I will let him vet the article, and anything he thinks is border line I will take out.

On the article in the press that Mike wrote, it did hurt me, but it also give me a boost, and I intend doing something again. This time I will keep the article and hope it gives me a little more encouragement. What I have been thinking of this time is B****cks with the incentive prize, all the money I make will go to little Tilly Lockey, who is close to my heart and in fact lives in the same village. Tilly lost both hands to a violent strain of Meningitis and needs an arm and a leg to get her two hands. Does that make sense or have I got a dose of Verbal Diarrhea (talking shite to those who have not heard of verbal diarrhea)? Fun aside Tilly needs loads of money to get polycystic hands, these will need changing on a regular basis as she grows up. Last year the Evening Chronicle did a column and fund raising namely "GIVE TILLY A HAND" I was going to do something then, but decided to wait. I am simply going to ask people for 50p a lb, you cant even get a lb of sausage at Thackeray’s for that. So come on give me and Tilly your help, and make a bob or two, and with a little luck I will be known as "The WINNER of 08" and not "WHO 08 ALL THE PIES’.

It was great to see the club beat Trafford FC in the Vase recently, but it is an awful long way down to Poole for the next round, and the only option is to go by bus. We did look at alternatives but to fly you had to go to Exeter Airport and change for a flight to Bournemouth or by train you needed to go to Kings Cross/ Tube to Paddington then a Tube to Waterloo / then to Bournemouth and to Poole. When you take these into consideration, it’s the Bus.
I just mentioned Waterloo there, does anything come to your mind when you hear Waterloo? I always think of the Bobby Thompson Joke, when he was in London visiting Phil and Lizzy, and asked someone for directions to Waterloo, the person said "Is that the station sir" Bobby replied "Well I’m a bit late for the battle"

Just a bit of info, Consett AFC are proud to be connected to THE VILLAGE STORE in Delves Lane. Barry Hill has a 15ft Ad Board on the car park facing side of the Grandstand. Barry and Ellaine have just received a certificate from NISA (Nation Association of Independent Supermarkets Association) that informs them that their outlet in Front St, Delves Lane proudly sits in the top ten of outlets all over the UK. In fact there are only three in the North of England the other two being in Sunderland and Crook, so well done Barry and Ellaine on behalf of the club.

As my original article was correctly withdrawn, along with it went a nice part, When I mentioned being in the company of The Piecha Family, and me a Barbara discussing the different cuts of meat. Paul hadn’t realized I had been a butcher for 35 years, he was a bit perplexed as how I new so much about cooking a Christmas Lunch, and how Cheryl was oblivious to the crack as she played with the wii. I would like to say that the Piecha’s are my fav Consett fans, and receive the Hammi prize for Supporters of 07.

Well mixed form to say the least since my last article. The two games down at The Archibald Stadium and the two games in the local cups can be described as "Sugar and Shite". Two awesome performances at The Archie and the two games in the ANL Cup and the DCC were of the Jekyll and Hyde variety.

Those two local cup games were always going to be banana skins, West on a Manager change and Tow Law containing Two Old Boys Eccer and Wilker, were both going to be hard un’s. Lee Ellison has recently taken the reins from Bayla at West. I knew Lee would have them fired up or there would be some out on their arses at Darlo Road. I am told Bayla had a torrid time at West, he had lost the discipline of the players, you can see those incidents happening at clubs whose players take the Gaffa for granted. Bayla is a personal friend of mine and a nicer bloke you wont find. He just took enough shit from his players and turned his back on the whole shooting match. When you get eight players taking holidays during the season, it just shows their dedication and when a player refused to play, saying it was to cold, you can understand Bayla’s plight. I know only to well that Football isn’t everything and players have family lives, but the wages they get these days I think a little dedication is required. Well I’m talking bollocks now, I think Dedication and Loyalty is a thing of the past.

On the Tow Law front I thought Wilker and Ecca would eventually come back to haunt us, and by Jove they did in the Durham Challenge Cup, both getting a brace in the Lawyers win.

Those two encounters were like 29p a tin Chopped Pork sandwiched between two slices of The highest quality Marks & Spencer bread. The two Durham games that flanked them were of the awesome variety. The first took The Steelmen nearer Durham in the league. It was a real six pointer, win and you're just three points away, lose and the gap is nine. The lads went out and played some of the best football I have seen in my time in the ANL winning 3-0 and a treat to see, and Mark Patterson’s goal would have been applauded by his Brazilian namesake Pato.

Then came the Vase encounter which if you could believe it, was an even better show, making the Durham side who are second to the Steelmen in the league Now, look like The School Children who had been at The Archie on that morning in a Russell Forster youth Comp. Matty just shredded their defence to bits. He never stood still, dragging them all over the place, and getting a hat trick into the bargain.

It's lovely to see the Consett Red Army growing in stature. When you go away now, we out number the homesters, and it was nice to see Uncle Bob at the Durham game for the Vase tie. I was sitting just in front of him, and I think he was enjoying it. I hope he felt he is now getting value for his much appreciated money, and he and Hargreaves will make a dream come true, and take Consett into the Football League. It may seem like a fairy story but when you look at the speed Consett is growing, a Pro club would not be out of the question. I think we are getting some of the new people of the town supporting us now, the more the merrier.

One thing that gets me though, is the amount of supporters who come to our functions. The club hold two main functions a year, these are arranged by club Chairman John Hurst. One is a male orientated Sportsman’s Dinner, the other is a mixed company Christmas Do. I am led to believe that our supporters think these are just for the committee and players. I just want to put you straight, THEY ARE NOT, everyone is welcome. We have just had the Sportsman’s Dinner, which went down well, but the Christmas Cabaret is still available. This will take place at The Civic on Sat 8th December, with a three course Christmas Fayre and Cabaret. See John Hurst about tickets (01207 581600) it would be great to have a drink and a bit crack so get along.

Well, I am proving to be a fibber, I said on my return from the hills, that I would keep you up to date with things, but once again it has been all lies, well I mean to change that. I have had one or two things going on in my very busy life, and I have totally forgotten the Update page. until I was reminded by Joe Kerr.

Well of late I have been a visitor to UHND more than Belle Vue, infact I purchased a season ticket I was there so much. My pater Wilfy Boy hasn't been well, to say the least, and I missed only 5 day's visiting in 6 weeks how that for dedication to the cause, things seem to be ok at the minute but I have added yet another string to my bow, I am now a nurse, but I cant get any kinky gear my size, you know the stuff, sussies and frilly knickers, it doesn't bear thinking about, seeing me in that kit does it.

Well things are going hunky dory at the moment, the club are standing well placed for a go at the the league title this term. Its going just how I like it, I associate it on the lines of a horse race, Instructions from the trainer, Make sure you get quickly out of the stalls, give him a little sniff of what it is like in front but settle him in around fourth or fifth, keep there with the leaders, let them do the work, its harder staying in front than hanging in, everyone will be watching the leader and not paying attention to you, this is when you give his ribs a tickle, you shake the reigns about two out keep to your pace coming into the final furlong, give him another couple of tickles, and away you go on the outside coming up to the line passing the race leader, turn your head slightly to the left and laugh at the stupid ba****d for trying to be so clever and lead for the whole race.

As well as a title challenge it would be nice to have a good run in the vase, but the draws a bit naff, an away game at Durham City wont be easy. That pitch of theirs is total shite, when I had my brief spell up the Rd we last no fewer than 6 players for between two and six weeks with injuries on that pvc pitch (pure vinyl crap) mainly muscle tears and strains over stretching for awkward balls. One of those players injured that day was Michael Coultard, well I am over the moon to see he has followed me down from the hills and signed for the Steelmen, what a player, I will go as far to say The New Jeff Sugden.

Well it's my mate Jamesies Testimonial on Thurs (18thOct) Consett Old Boys Managed by Colin Carr, all the Old favourites making there way to Belle Vue once more, Jeff Sugden, Alan Batey, Colin McLeod, Davy Gray, Tiger Halliday, Rod Butler Carl Rowell to name just a few, will take on a James Platten Consett Select containing a lot of Post Colin Carr era players. come along and support James big Night

I remember his debut as if it was yesterday, It was a nice July evening, Sunderland were at Belle Vue for there annual visit, the players were warming up before the game, Dicky Lee the keeper at the time was jumping for a cross and pecked on landing, out came his hip joint, and the big fella from Prudhoe was lying in agony on the deck, with as much chance of taking part in the game as I have going to Ballet school.
well a young fella by the name of James Platten had been training with the first team , he had just come out of junior football with South Moor Juniors, Carrsy had to give the Rookie youngster his big chance, and the rest is history, but having said that, it wasn't plain sailing, James had a difficult time at first but with the help of Tony Ainley, James gritted his teeth and tried 200% with his game, to see him now you would not think he was the shy rookie on the pitch, this didn't help his education as you know a keepers big Gob is as important as his boots and gloves, if the young Platten kid had a fault it was his vocals in the defence, but the kid worked on it and now you try to shut him up where as in the early days you tried to make him talk, On a more serious note James has had his personal problems which didn't help his game but the boyworked at it, he is something special to everyone old and new at Belle Vue, A fine Goal keeper but more so a fine young man, who has stuck with the club through thick and thin, and if anyone deserves a League Champs Medal it is James Platten.

Well it was only the matter of time before I made my return. I left the club at the beginning of May after what can only be said as a lovers tiff. I hastily made the journey up the A68 to help Steve Morralee with the administration, but The Steelmen were always in my heart. Once a Steelman alwayss a Steelman.

I have returned to the club as Public Relations Manager, a job title that has been missing from the club for many years, my aim is to sell the club to everyone in the town, from the Oldies that have lived here for years, down to the Newies that are rapidly coming to dwell in this fine little town.

I am also going to aim at the school children from in and around Consett, bringing them to the games with hope of their parents coming along to. Another avenue that I will be going down, is to welcome our new Polish community. Maybe there is a new Zbigniew Boniek lurking out there ready to don the scarlet shirt of the "Steelmen".

I am to go out and visit people and have a chat, and I am confident that I can mould the club into the Community Club that Davy Pyke and John Healy have strived for over the years.

The first task is to produce a Monthly Newsletter to keep the sponsors and supporters up to date with the goings on behind the walls of Belle Vue Park.

It has not gone unnoticed that, the terrific sponsors of the club have been left out to a certain degree. These wonderful people deserve to know what is going on, and not for us to turn up every August with the begging bowl in hand expecting them to dig deep to bail the club out, without being made part of it. I am confident I can create something that the club can be proud of, and I fully intend continuing my popular page, but this time it will be in the form of a Highlights of the Month page from my News letter, plus one or two things I can get away with on the website that I won't in the News Letter. And like or lump it, I am going to carry on with my "Goooooooooooooal No1 for Consett, Scored By No00"

Well folks this is the saddest article I have ever written, It is the last ever Crack from the Secretary's Office.

Due to reasons that in my opinion got carried away, I am no longer part of My beloved Consett AFC. Last week I got myself tangled in a spot of bother and verbally resigned my post as Club Secretary. A sudden rush of blood during a telephone conversation caused me to act with what I see now as regret, but what was to happen in the days to follow really brought me down to earth with a bump. I contacted the club to offer an olive branch and to my sheer astonishment I was told it was too late, I had already been replaced. I will not go into any detail, it was like that tale of the Manchester Utd manager, I forget his name Wilf somebody (it was McGuinness, Ian - JPH). He was summoned to the Chairman's Office and told, "Well Wilf, I don't know what we would do without you son, but we are going to find out. You're sacked". Just goes to prove that everyone can be done without.

Well I feel really sad that the club didn't try to talk me out of my resignation. I thought it was the least they could do after 20 years.

I think I will dedicate this article to the friends I have made at Belle Vue this season. I stress that I have only picked this season because I would be on till next month talking about everyone in 20 years. The first that come to mind are the Piechas, Barbara, Paul and Carl's girlfriend. These folk are the salt of the earth and I have enjoyed every conversation with them. Barbara is by far the most knowledgeable of women fans, she really does know what she is talking about. Then there are my mates up in the gantry, well the back of the stand anyway, Joe Kerr, John Askew and Billy Brough. These are my real footy buddies. I love a bit banter with Joe, I really take the Mick, but he just keeps coming back for more. John Askew, you never know what he's gonna be smoking next. Ciggies one minute then it's a Cigar, then it could be one of those skinny brown Cowboy Tabs. One day I said to him "John, whats that you're smoking now?" John replied, "that's my business" I thought it was, it just smells like it. Then there's Billy, good supporter when he's not globe trotting, you never know where he's off to next. All the same, three Mega men - I will definitely miss them. Dobba what can I say, he must be the best supporter Consett has ever had. Alan very rarely misses a game home or away. Alan rubs people up the wrong way at times, but when you think about it he's 100% right. He pays his money and deserves his opinion. If the team is playing bad he heckles like mad, but when they are playing well he is always there to congratulate. It just seems he heckles more than congratulates, but it just goes to show we must play badly more than well. I will miss him to. Then there's the players, everyone a gem, I love them to bits. Also the two Keiths and Nunzio, three characters. You could write a comedy sketch about the two physios, and Keith the Kit Man what a wonder of Medical Science. This time last year he was banged up in hospital with a stomach problem that required months in bed and his life hung by a thread. But it is great to see him back to his self, just shows the resilience of the man. I will miss you more than ever mate, and I won't forget your help with paper work on match days.

Well that's it folks, its has been nice writing these articles and receiving the feedback. The amount of people who have said they enjoy my crack has stretched to Adelaide in The Oz. Former Consett man Jimmy McCusker, our Adelaide Branch Supporters club secretary, has said all of the members out there enjoy it. Jimmy asked for a mention and I sure obliged, Ian and Theresa said to wish you well.

Sorry my January article is now into February, I did promise that I would keep you up to date, giving you a report in the last week of the month, but I have waited purposely this time, to include in this edition, the exit of Micky Mackay. Well it was inevitable that it was going to happen. If by any chance you have been to the moon or Pluto or somewhere they don’t have newspapers or Sky sport news, Micky went to Hartlepool last week.

The club didn’t stand in the kid's way, as for anyone else who takes the eye of the many scouts that have been in residence at Belle Vue of late. DIB DIB, it's been like the Boy Scouts annual vacation latterly. I think every scout apart from Baden Powell has been at Belle Vue this season.

Well if you agree with me we do have some diamonds, it’s just a matter of time before someone else makes the step into the big unknown. Well I would like to, on the club's behalf, thank Michael for putting us on the map. I hear that Tom Toms have Belle Vue pre-installed as there have been so many Scouts coming Belle Vue it has automatically installed itself.
Michael has been a pleasure to have, the boy's been no bother and I hope he sticks in and has the belief in himself to go on and get a few markers for the South Durham outfit. He will be welcomed back with open arms if things don’t go well, but I have a sneaky feeling we won't see Michael again, I reckon the only way is up.

I’m sure everyone agrees with me, well with the exception of Kenny, that Michael has been outstanding of late. I think everyone in our larger than average crowd this season have either phoned, texted, emailed, wrote or just mentioned in crack, to tell Micky we are behind him.

Well the weather has not been so kind latterly. I’m sick of being sat idle when should have been a game on, when I have done my numerous phoning or texting there’s nowt left to do. Just on that matter, I have this season started a "Consett AFC Phone the Crowd Service". If you give me your mobile phone number I will put it on my list and I will text you if the match is going to be Off. You can also give me your home number and I will ring you. I just hope that you save a journey to the ground or even more important travel, it would be terrible to travel to Northallerton to find the game off. I don’t charge for this service.

Just to finish off, as almost everyone knows, I had to give up my job with Thackeray’s Butchers, due to an injury to my back, which restricts the time I can spend in an upright position. My employer for almost 30 years Gary Thackeray has kindly organised a leaving do for me. The night will be a get together with people I have worked with over the 30 years. I have made it very clear that I don’t want any leaving presents, but I have found a Charity that I will give any cash donations. The Charity is Backcare, it is a charity that researches into ways of exercise and rest to reduce the pain that a bad back courses. Anyone with a bad back will understand my plea, as it is one of the most irritating pains there is. On the day of my do I will have a bucket at the Bedlington game and if you have any spare change, I will put it to my Party donations.

Just before I go I must say how pleased I am to see Audrey up and about again, she has been a miss, while in Doc.

I would like to start my December report by wishing everyone Seasonal greetings and hope next year gives you the pleasures you deserve. I certainly can�t wait for the New Year. I have just about erased 2006 from my life, what a f***ing year it has been, one thing after another. I�ve never been ill in my life and 2006 has been a right old bugger. I�ve had everything except Dandruff.

Well I hope the little blip on the field we have endured of late will leave us in the New Year. Going off the West Auckland game and the abandoned Bishop Auckland debacle I can see a bright light shining down that proverbial tunnel. Our New lads are starting to gel nicely, Jonjo is coming on a treat after his move to reality football from Darlo, and Andy Appleby is starting to get his Steelman feet after his move from Blyth Spartans. But the biggest thrill is the progress Micky Mackay is making. Micky is forging himself up there with the best strikers in the league, scoring some delightful goals on the way.

On the Micky front, Micky Brown is now a vital cog in the Belle Vue wheel after pressing so hard to gain a regular place in the side after his move from Black Town City Demons in the summer. Also a player who I�m sure will Captain the Steelmen in the future - Carl �Mr Versatile�. Piecha at 19 has been asked to play in three different departments this season and has not let anyone down. Carl started off in Midfield but was needed to play centre back in our D.C.Cup game at Seaham and is really starting to show his mettle, with some excellent performances. Carl being a Midfielder by birth gives the luxury of being able to play the ball out of defence rather than the big boot. Carl also donned the No.9 shirt earlier this month at Sunderland Nissan.

On a sad note we have lost the services of our own Chairman Mao. Derek Nichols has decided to stand down due to his Jet Setting work commitments. Derek has taken a new role in his job and it requires jetting about the country - one day he is in Bristol, then it�s back to Consett, then he�s off to The Big Smoke, and he being the man he is knows that a club cant successfully run without an on the spot Chairman. Derek knows that he is welcome back any time and the back door is open for him. There�s a funny story in that one that Big D took in his stride. Derek had been on his travels all week and during that spell we had a new door fitted to the players and officials entrance. On his return he went to the ground and was unable to get in as there was a different lock on the door and he had not received his new key. Derek uttered, �well it must be time to go when I�m locked out of my own ground�. At the next Committee meeting I read a letter I had wrote to Derek thanking him for his services and stated that the back door was always open. In steps our own club comedian Peter Killeen �are you leaving the back door open for him, cos he cant get in the front one.�

On the Chairman, front due to Derek leaving John Hurst and Davy Pyke have decided to become Chairmen on a joint basis, with Davy chairing the meetings. So if you need to speak to either of these chaps you cant cos Im not going to give you there Phone numbers. Just kidding, Johns contact No is 01207581600 or 07932715383 and Davy Pyke 01207 508920 or 07889419268.

Just before I go I would like to relay a few thank you�s these are in no merit order because they all mean a lot to me, but I have to start someware. Audrey and Lynn for their tremendous graft with food and drink for us all. Audrey hasn�t been well of late and has required a spell in hospital but it is nice to see her up and about again. Carl Piecha and Kraig Wilkinson�s Mums who don�t miss many games, if any. These two wee lasses come along week in and week out in all weathers. Well done to you all keep it up.

And I would also like to thank my colleagues on the committee, also Bill Hudson and Alan Coates for their match day commitment and last but most important, you the Supporters. The gates have been up quite a lot this year, thanks again and I hope you keep on coming in droves for the remainder of the season. I would like to wish one of Consett�s longest serving fans Joe Kerr a speedy recovery after his hip operation. Joe is a former committee man who hasn�t missed a game in years, and is a big miss up in Rogue�s Gallery at the back of the grandstand.

Well that�s it folks, Once again have a nice festive period and I will be back towards the end of January with more crack from The Secretary�s Office.

I am to my word, well at least while I remember. I said I would keep my page up to date and I have done up to now.

Well the season is drawing on things are still going to plan, if not for a few under par results, we are still up there in a there or there abouts position and we are still strengthening, our latest another ex Brandon Championship winner. Kenny feels we are not keeping enough clean sheets and giving him his dues no one is safe of the Lindoe crook. If he feels they are not performing the crook comes out and the unsuspecting sheep is pulled out of the danger zone. The new lad is Chris Neil, who went to Durham City from Brandon and is a no nonsense type of defender who Kenny thinks can stem the flow of goals against.

On the departure front the club have just released Alan Oliver to South Shields, Alan is an up and coming young player who just cant force him self into the team, and as all youngsters he needs football it is a waste having him warming the bench seats, the old F****rs can do that. Their arses are bigger and warm the seats better.

It was very sad to here of the passing away of a mate of mine last week, Alan Ridgley a former Consett player of the 80�s died last week after a short illness. Alan better known as ��Ridge�� played in the same side as Watty Stelling and Davey McGinn, all three playing for one of my old Sunday clubs Consett Top Club FC. Our deepest sympathy goes to Ridge�s family at this sad time.

O a happier front the latest Sportsman�s Dinner went well both speakers entertaining the 200 plus in attendance at the civic, John is at the moment organising the clubs Annual Christmas Cabaret Dinner and as I write there are a few tickets left, this is a completely different night, being more a Mixed Sex night, that doesn�t sound nice does it I really mean Men and Women or Boys and Girls, The entertainment will be provided by HAZARD a group who perform for all ages so don�t be put off you think the entertainment is just for kids, it is directed at everyone�s taste. In the past I have asked certain ones, �Why were you not at the do?� I wasn�t asked is the general reply. Well I�m asking you now. I know this page is popular and reaches a lot of Consett fans so get off your arse and give John a ring (01207581600) to book your seat for this brilliant night. �You have been asked�. So if you are a supporter, player or Committee friend, Player�s Mam or Dad or anyone else out there in that wide old World Wide Web get in touch with John and get along there on Sat 2nd December and have your self a good night whilst helping the clubs fund raising.

Also on Fund raising the club have a Numbers Forecast which is now becoming popular you can place your bets on a week to week basis changing your selections or by using the WSB method you keep the same numbers and just pay your money to any committeeman each week, The forecast goes like this, Pick any 8 numbers from 1 to 28 in pairs as a Straight Forecast or any 4 numbers from 1 to 28 in pairs as a reversed forecast, the draw is made every Monday Night at the club, you can get tickets from me on match days at the players entrance were I do my announcing from and the result is posted in various places in the town and in the Cross Bar Club.

A funny one on that , I remember a few years ago I asked a Sign Writer mate of mine to do a nice sign for the bar door I asked him to put on it The Cross Bar Club and when I got it back it read The Cross Bow Bar I hadn�t the heart to tell him so that�s why to this day there is no sign on the door. I didn�t want him saying was my sign not good enough.

Well that�s it for the moment folks, and please if you are available on Saturday 2nd December get in touch with John and book your ticket. I love you all and would really like to see you at the do, and if you really like reading my novel tongue-in-cheek reports you can buy me a pint, I wont turn you down.

See you soon.

Well it didn�t take me long to break my promise this season, I said at the start I would keep you informed every month, Probably the last week of the month. Well I already missed September, I believe before the days of the Gregorian calendar September had an extra 14 days. Maybe that�s it, I thought we were still in the old format.

Well things are taking shape. Kenny is doing what he said, pulling together a decent squad, one that could challenge for honours this term, but this has its sad points - we have to lose a few to gain a few.

Ken has brought in Mark Eccles, Craig Turns David Pounder and JonJo Dickman. All four having good pedigrees - Ecca was part of the Gretna band wagon that keeps rolling on, Craig and JonJo have experience it the Football League with the Mackems and Davy Pounder was signed from Conference side Scarborough.

Poor old Carrsy never had this luxury. He had to scrap and save at the bottom end of the market, the best he could bring in were Gateshead Sunday league players at best. Money talks, my thoughts on the matter is ��you only get what you pay for�� If you want a decent shirt you don�t buy one from the market that�s if you want one that will cover your arse that is.

Bob and Co have been a revelation here at Belle Vue, The Man could never be repaid for what he has done up to now and the job�s just half complete, Bob has so much ambition it is awe-inspiring. You just have to drop a hint and the man�s there like a shot, ready to help in any way he can.

I always remember Old Jim Gee back in 99 when we really had nowt. One day when he was pulling himself out of that Sardine tin of an MG he dropped his wallet. While bending down to pick it up he noticed it had landed on a plum stone. Jim picked it up and took it in side, and when he went outside to roll the field he took it with him and planted it on the bank side, and said that it was his lucky money tree stone. In ten years time it will produce a fine crop of pound notes. Are we getting our produce early? God rest his soul Jim isn�t around to see the end product of the Magic Money tree stone?

Prior to the start of the season we beat Crook in the Ernie Cup with an eagerly awaited final with Tow Law, only for an 11th hour decision by the Lawyers to back out. �We cant field a team�, was the words of Bernard Fairbain, �we have that many on holiday and injured we cannot scrape a team together.� I asked why not give the Young uns a run out? Fairbairns reply, �Their Mothers and Fathers winnot let them play aggen Men�� was his half hearted reply. For this game Terry Hodgson at Hargreaves offered to supply the paper and copy the programme free of charge only for the time and effort being wasted. To add to the misery Terry said the league should be asked to foot the cost of the wasted paper and time. I asked the league and was told that they would but nowt has come our way yet. As a result of this Hargeaves have taken on the printing of our Match programme, as Paul was finding it hard to copy the programme and commute to London with his job.

With Kenny bringing in new faces, some of the old had to go. This is always a sad time as you get close to the lads doing the Sec�s job and it is always sad to see them go. Chrissy Douglas for one, I gave Chrissy some bad press the last time he left, which I apologised for on his return, but we have been good mates this time. Scotty Mac and Colin McKenzie have also left for pastures new, they are to Top drawer characters and decent players too. It was really sad to see them go. Bully also took to the road away from Belle Vue, I personally wish them all the best.

On a brighter note the signing of Carl Piecha a revelation in itself. He has brought to the club something I never thought possible, a woman who talks about football and knows what she is talking about. Carl�s mum Barbara certainly knows a thing or two, you can stand with her for the full duration of a game and she will talk you through it and boy oh boy she knows what she is talking about. And an extra bonus she is a canny lass too, more than some of the shite spouters we have had in the past.

As you will probably be aware Consett AFC and Consett YMCA Jnrs are partners in The FA Community Charter Standards scheme and I am always keen to know how The Young Steelmen are doing. Tommy Connelly, Peter Killeen, Davy Pyke and Alan Patterson are always on hand to help out on or before ANL matches, something I personally appreciate as it makes my life easier. Well Peter runs the under 18�s this year and they have just played away at BRIGG TOWN in the FA Youth Cup who I am reliably informed have six England under 18 Internationals in their ranks and thee 17 year olds in their first team. Coming away beaten just 3-2, the home club stated that it had been the club�s hardest game of the season. The young lads also coming away with glowing tributes of their professionalism and mature behaviour, and are a credit to Consett Football Club. I again thank Peter for the way he has nurtured his young guns through into adulthood.

Well that�s it for this Month, I will be back in November I promise. I can�t believe how popular this column is, because I think I am in the same league as some of the shite spouting women who have been at the club over the years.

Just before I go, I�m doing the match announcing again this year. This time we have some decent PA gear, and what I want is some requests for music. It doesn�t matter what sort of musical style I put on someone says, ��Hammy, what�s that shite your Playing?�� If you have a request give me a ring or email me with it, Please give me two or three days to get it into my collection, then I can say, ��Well I�m pleased to inform you that this shite is the choice of????

Well I�m going to make an effort this season to keep this page up to date, I will start by keeping you informed of INs & OUTs,

As at this moment we have no outs but having said that for the friendly games so far there has been more players to choose from than there are supporters at S********D. On top of last terms squad we have had quite a few trialists to name a few, and up to now Craig Robson, Adam Forrest, Andy Purvis, Adam Bartlett and Mark Eccles have signed the dotted line . Unfortunately, a few will have to go.

There is going to be a challenge for places this year with Kenny bringing in quality to add to what we already had. I think he has brought in the type of player that will knuckle down and fight for a place not like some of the twisty buggers that have sulked because their name was not in the starting line up, after all you can only start with eleven but you still require eighteen. A good healthy squad that are willing to be part of that is a must. Kenny Lindoe is different to what we have had in the past, he has no blue eyed boys, not even long term mate Mark Patterson is safe from the shepherds crook. It does not matter who you are if you are playing sh**e Kenny will pull you off. He once was heard shouting to Colin McKenzie, ��Col if you don�t start getting stuck in I�m going to pull you off at half time��. Colin's reply, ��Oh you only got a piece of orange at Hartlepool��.

On a more serious note the club have gained the help of another kit sponsor. Giles Hunter of The GILES HUNTER Partnership Solicitors has kindly agreed to sponsor leisure shirts that will carry his Company name to all games this season.

Things are really looking up at the club, at this rate of progress we may reach our ultimate goal sooner that first thought, there is no secret that with the town expanding as rapidly as it is we need our footy team to expand as quickly and The Unibond is our main aim at the present, something our main sponsor, Bob Young of The Hargreaves group and local County Councillor, really dreams of. He is true to his word, his main aim is to give back something to his community to re-pay them for supporting him in his political ventures, and a good football team to support is what the people of Consett need ,

It does not take a Rocket Scientist to work out that our so called big two footy teams are not breaking eggs with a stick, all the millions of ��s they waste each year would be better helping our local grass roots soccer at least you see 22 players trying their best. They may not be the best players in the country but at least they try, having said that I think I personally could of picked a squad from the ARNGROVE Northern League that would of done better than the cr*p we saw England produce on that World Cup Stage,

If you are reading this article and haven�t been to a Non League game why don�t you go along and support your local side. Better still come and see Consett!!.

Well that�s all for the moment , I am going update this article some time during the last week of the month every month. If you have anything you would like to air, email me, and I will answer your questions the best and diplomatically way I can. ThesecretaryCAFC@aol.com

(h) Newcastle Utd Res 0-1
(a) Esh Winning 6-0
(a) Walker Central 0-3 (we were missing: Johnson, Piecha, Mackay, Maw, C Robson, McKenzie, Bartlett, Oliver and Platten - that�s my excuse and I sticking to it)

This is to be a report straight from the Parrots mouth, because I�m sure Derek has said everything before me.

What a season, in all the time I have been with this club this has to go down as my finest hour, Scoring in excess of 100 goals taking in excess of 100 pts and amassing in excess of 100 goal difference pts and if that�s not all we were Champions into the bargain. Although we had a good season back in 96 when we went to Mansfield this one out shone that season because the pride lasted 40 weeks not the 40 days as it did in 96.

When I found out that Kenny had agreed to come I was sure we would do well but this was just off the map, and I�m sure that what was to come shortly after the season started helped enormously as we were then in a position to attract a better standard of player. Yes you have guessed it, Mr Young and The HARGREAVES Group handed us a box of Golden eggs or Three consecutive winning Lotto tickets. I was beginning to think Consett would never have the chance to receive lucky bonuses like other clubs, but along came Uncle Bob and what a difference he has made. I speak on behalf of everyone at the club and thank him more than words can tell for his generosity and guidance in the New Ground situation. Each home game when I do the match announcing I give The HARGREAVES Group numerous plugs throughout the game and I feel proud to do so, as this is a life line that only comes once, so everyone must do there utmost in trying to their bit for this most wonderful man and the people around him that have made a remarkable difference around the ground.

I am coming now to the bit were I thank everyone for there dedicated work within the club, this year I�m mentioning no names so everyone that reads this take a bow this is for you, from The Chairman to the Readers of the clubs website, The reason behind this is simply I always forget someone and I feel real shit when some one comes to me and says why did you not mention me.

This year�s clubman of the year was close between two, Paul Curry for his patience and sheer professionalism and Neil Stobbs for beating Billy Humphrey�s half time draw record.

This year has had mixed fortunes for me, I have had the worst spell of accumulative illness I have ever had which has kept me from work for quite a while and in fact I missed the last three games. The final one when we received the cup really did get to me but I�m getting there now.

Just to finish off, with being ill I spent a lot of time in the house. I�m sure the last complaint was Cabin Fever, with not being on the scene rumours were rife in the town that I had died but to put them straight I�m not, as Churchill once said when he was in the same position, "Rumours of my obituary are greatly exaggerated"

Ian Ham

Good evening and welcome to this years meeting, This has been another tough season having had a record four Managers. Colin Carr was at the helm for a mammoth sixteen years, this year speaks for itself.

Inconsistency both on the pitch and in the Managers Office accumulated in what eventually occurred; relegation once more. If the Managerial side of things are unsteady you cannot expect the outcome on the field to be any different and relegation was the end product. The club kept faith with Ray Lish for the start of the season but it was plain to see that things were going to be hard. Losing the likes of Michael Pitt, Paul Terrell, Paul Bryson and Peter Kirkham and not bringing in the quality to replace them set the alarm bells ringing as early as Sat 12th August. Yes it was going to be hard, we started the new season with a weaker side than the one we finished the previous one, but faith was kept with Ray Lish until just before Christmas when we decided enough was enough and a meeting with the Manager was hastily arranged and a mutual agreement was that we part company. In came Jeff Sugden for his first ever stint in management and Jeff held the reigns until a new Gaffa was found. The grey cloud seemed to disappear when the news broke that Tony Harrison was to take over. Harrison, a former Newcastle Goalkeeper, took the job winning his first game away to Esh Winning. The grey sky had turned to a beautiful blue colour only to immediately turn to black after the New Year game at home to Durham City. Harrison had bottled and left within a fortnight, it is still unclear to this day why. Enter Jeff Sugden for his second spell in management until Jon King relieved him. Jon had not played much so it was thought that he would be the ideal man to take the club thro until the end of the season which he did with great determination bringing in some quality players but the damage had been done before Christmas time and could not stave off eventual relegation, the club hold no blame what so ever with Jon King. In fact he was to be praised very highly for his valiant effort.

Off the field the club again performed miracles just keeping Consett AFC afloat both financially and with the amount of damp there was about the place on both aspects we could have been drowned by Christmas. I must thank John Hurst and Derek Nichols for the graft they put into our now very popular functions at the Civic Centre and Billy Humphrey for his hard work collecting funds through his post as Commercial Manager, these three would be an asset to any club, John is at the moment putting together a Golf Day more on this one will follow.

Andrew again has done miracles on more than one occasion when he has pulled a rabbit out of the hat financially, were he gets the cash from at times eludes me but his prayer mat must now be a little thread bare.

A few years back it was decided that we hire out the facilities to Consett Sunday League for their Semi finals as well as their Finals. This was to raise cash from refreshment sales knowing big crowds were imminent, which was a good idea but it shed a problem or two. Just after the season started we gained the services of Tony Bradley to do the pitch work. Tony produced miracles turning a cow field into a decent playing surface, which the guy was proud of. Only for all of his excellent work to be spoiled by playing so many games on it while the weather was damp. The final nail in the coffin was when the manager held a training session on it in the afternoon when a game had already been called off in the morning. Tony was stotting mad about this and called it a day. Something will have to be done on this one, we can not afford to lose the likes of Tony who does a splendid job.

This season I have been a General Factotum instead of a General Secretary. On numerous occasions I have had to do the post match buffet, do the bar, do the refreshment hut as well as be secretary if it was not for the help I received from Pat Grimes, Carol Turner and Connor Bridgewater I don�t want to think what might have happened.

This Season we have had more match day helpers than committee. These people have alleviated a lot of problems. Bill Hudson and Alan, Keith Hargreaves, Mark and Brian all did their bit when available, help that was much needed at times.

I must not forget the backroom lads whose work is not always seen Peter Killeen our latest committeeman, Neil Blemings and Dave Pyke have all worked so well behind the scenes.

This year is both myself and Andrew�s ten years as club officials. We took over from Peter McClean and Mark Greaves on our return from an FA Cup game at Barrow 95. Peter spat the dummy because players were late back to the bus, and his mate Mark followed him in support (how petty). In that time I did ever so well in not receiving one league or FA fine, until this season when I have been fined for not putting the attendance on the team sheet (�10), not putting the kickoff time on the team sheet (�10). All of these could go down to my mind being over occupied with my general factotum-ship but the one that really hurt and embarrassed me was not sending in the match programme after each home game fined (�7), the league have a Programme Competition were programmes are taken from the ones sent to Mike Amos and judged. Our programme came nowhere and it had been down to me to send them in. As you all will be aware our programme is the best in the country never mind the league so this was a kick in the shins for Paul Hardy who does a magnificent job on both the programme and the website. On the website I am pleased that Paul has made it all members for the Forum page, some of those things that were put on there were deplorable.

Ian Hamilton

Well folks its time I updated my update page, where do I start after my last printout. I didn�t for one-minute think it would have created as much interest, I had calls from several newspapers wanting to know the inside of the Paul Terrell bit, I am aware of the strip I took off Paul and people reading between the lines could easily have thought that the kid had done something outrageously stupid within the club, something like having an affair with the chairman�s wife or something juicy like that. But it wasn�t what he did it was just some of the things he said and taking into consideration what the club did for him it made many genuine Consett folk bitter. That�s it, getting back to the press they are to me sifting through websites like the seagulls do at the tip looking for something tasty.

Now getting onto an item that is really getting on my nerves, I nearly said t*ts but they have a use these people don�t. Is it a club mole, is it a supporter that is closer to the club than I realise or what, but never the less this is unresting the people who spend all of their time trying to give the town a footy club to support. Some of the crap that has been put onto the club forum by someone who is so spineless he/she can only sign their article GUEST. Who are you, are really a supporter, or just a sh*t stirrer? If you really think about the club why don�t you take off your Lone Ranger mask and approach me if you are as witless as I think. My name is at the top of this page along with my photo, I�m not afraid to write what I write and I can still show my identity. I am aware that you have an axe to grind so come along to a meeting and we will discuss with you how difficult it is to run a footy team at our level. At the end of the day it is not Ray Lish that you should be grinding your axe with, or the players we have at the club, it is the committee that you should be talking to
and we will tell you how hard it to raise cash. If you want the top players of the Albany Northern League here at Consett I suggest to you that you get off your miserable whingeing arse and come on the club's committee and you will find out what its like on the other side of the fence.

Well we have a nice little trip down to Bury in the next round of the vase to play Ramsbottom United they have had a good start this season in the North West Counties League and have just beaten Benfield Saints our own front-runners in the last round. This will be a little toughie.

As this article goes to the website it may be a little late for anyone who has not already booked for our Sportsman�s night which is at the civic on Thursday 7th October, but we have a Social / Christmas do at the same venue on Saturday 20th November. This consists of a three course dinner and cabaret by HAZARD a fantastic trio who perform hits from the 70�s through to today�s biggest hits why don�t you come along and have a good night out.

Ian Hamilton

Well as I am sat here writing this my first and I hope regular bulletin, I have just put the phone down after another long but entertaining hour long chat with the Gaffa Lishy. Bad news he tells me we have just lost the services of our front pair Pitt & Terrell for next season. Michael goes with the clubs blessing but Terrell is another story. Lishy saved this lad's career last season taking him from obscurity to a promotion winning team only to be s**t on from a great height. I wont go on any more, but bad feeling between all at Belle Vue and this player can be seen on everyone�s face. Michael on the other hand did everything the right way. You can see his point, an offer from league champions Dunston came along and he feels he would like the chance to better him self, playing with top class players. We wish the lad all the best and he is welcome to return whenever. More than we can say for the other one who is about to start for his eighth club and he is still just 22 - this just shows how loyal he is.

Lishy tells me he has quite a few irons in the fire with some new faces to grace Belle Vue this season, and he is busy organising friendly games for pre season. Games that have been arranged are Annfield Plain (a), Washington (a), Bishop Auckland (h) and, the biggy, Sunderland (h). Dates to be confirmed, with the Ernest Armstrong Memorial game set for Wed 5th August 7.30. This competition was drawn at the League AGM with Consett v Tow Law, and Willington v Crook contesting the two semi finals.

The club would like to thank Paul Bryson for the magnificent job he did last season on the training pitch and the playing field. Brysa has decided to hang up his boots in his words, ��To go out at the top��. He went on by saying he did not think he would do himself or the club justice in the first division and did not want to be classed as a has-been - we applaud his honesty. The new coach for the coming season will be Jon King. Jon is a very highly qualified coach with just about every certificate there is to be had, he is currently working for Sunderland AFC being their Chief Coach in the ��Football in the Community Scheme��.

Welcome back to the New Season, well almost. The New Gaffa has now returned from his holidays and is raring to go. I say that literally, if the man's ability is half as good as his enthusiasm we will not have a problem this term.

Within in days of returning from his hols he had his first signing, he managed to talk Richie McLoughlin, the Jarrow Roofing Supremo, to part company with his son Stephen Lish. Stephen is a hard working Central Midfielder who is a touch of class according to the Roofing Boss. "I would not have let him go any where else", said Richie.

Ray has numerous irons in the fire concerning players but none have signed that important piece of paper. The Gaffa is at the final discussion point with a player coach, a big name in The Northern League who maybe is past his best in Division One but I am sure will do a great job in Division Two. At this moment I have to keep this one under my hat, but as soon as Ray gives me the go ahead I will let you know.

That’s all for the moment apart from one thing. Billy Boy Humphrey is doing an excellent job for the club as Commercial Manager and is already past his close season target, "Well done Billy boy".

As I write news has just filtered to me that we have just secured our first win of the season and I was not there to see it, due to major staffing problems at my daytime job I have been missing at Saturday games of late and I missed our first win.

This is a bind to me and as soon as the gaffer realises that my mind is not on the job but with my beloved 'Steelmen' the better, and he may release me from the burden of Saturday afternoon work so I can be at the game.

NEW SPONSOR

Well at long last we or should I say Carrsy has secured us a major sponsor. Paul Brown a local licencee has just agreed to sign up for the remainder of the 2002/03 season and have his company's name on our first choice kit. Paul, a Consett man, has over the past two or three years revamped two of the town's most popular drinking outlets bringing them into the modern times. Recently he took over the Duke of Wellington on Medomsley Road and re-vamped it as it is running on wheels. Three years ago he took the old McCrory's bar in Middle Street, totally changed the whole look and named it 'THE MERIDIAN'. This is the name that the 'Steelmen' will carry on their shirts with pride for the foreseeable future.

LITTLE BRIAN

On behalf of everyone involved at Consett AFC I would like to wish Little Brian all the best and a speedy recovery. Brian goes into The Freeman Hospital on Sunday for major surgery on his back. He has had a lot of pain in recent times due to his condition but it has not stopped him from carrying out his chores around the ground. Brian will be a big miss at Consett for some time while he recovers from the operation he is to endure.

The new season is fast approaching and up to now we are as last season on the players front, Alan Batey deciding to, in his words, '' stay on just as cover''. If you know Alan as I do, he will be needed as cover every week if we have a full squad or not. Alan's work rate is a big part of Consett AFC.

Davy Gray is also staying on, having also stated last term he was hanging up his boots. He has informed the manager that he cannot guarantee he will be available for all the pre season work due to the fact he is to be a dad for the first time very soon.

It is heartening that the older lads still want to be part of the set up, knowing that this club could do something this season with a little help from the Steelman in the sky, it would be a big help if we could avoid those niggling injuries we usually get and if we could train players to take holiday's in the summer months and get jobs where the gaffa lets you off to play the National game, things would be much easier.

On the new player front at the moment we don't have any new faces signed. There are quite a few trialists at pre season training and the gaffa assures me he has a few irons in the fire.

The lads started back training two weeks ago and have now completed a half a dozen work outs with the first friendly on Saturday 27th July when we take on Birtley Town. Birtley of the Wearside league will be a good starting test as they did extremely well last term winning a couple of cups, This will be followed by our annual visit of The Black Cats (Sunderland AFC ) on Wednesday 31st July 7.00 k.o. The club have confirmed that the squad will be made up of Reserve and Academy players and Consett AFC are expecting a big crowd once again for this encounter. And finally we will visit the Riverside ground at Chester le Street for a run out against Whitehill Park FC.

On the 24th August we will play host to Pontefract Collieries FC in the FA Cup we are exempt to the competition proper of the FA Vase so we will not take part until November. Hopefully November will be a lucky month as that is when the 1st round proper of the FA Cup takes place and maybe another trip away to a league ground. In fact the 1st round proper is on Saturday 16th November, the same date we played our last 1st round proper game at Field Mill Mansfield.

On Thursday 28th March the club held a night in aid of Colin McLeod, this being his 11th season at the club, and we invited back a few old friends.

At 7.00 the whistle went for the big kick off. Two teams of players, a mixture of athletes and age ravaged beer drinkers, took to the field to the sound of John Challoner's whistle. The game was only to last 60 minutes as CONSETT had already played the night before and the old timers could only manage an hour before having to leave the field for their daily medication, the game ended 2-2, a noble effort considering some had not kicked a ball in years .

The old boy's team featured Stephen (Shorty) Hinds in goal, Gary (Twinkle toes) Cowley at right back, at left was David Hagan, in the centre of defence was Ian (Chaf) Robb & Andy (The horse ) Edwards, in midfield was Mark Outterside, David (Bayla) Bayles, Andy (Sinky) Sinclair & John Dodds, with Stephen (Pop) Robson & Gary Butler up front.

After the game everyone retired to the bar where a large hot dog and numerous pints were the order of the night. With a karaoke to entertain the full bar. First up was a duo from USA (Uther Side of Ashington) Robb 'n' Staff not to be mistaken with Robb'n' B*****d who stood at the bar all night.

Macca's Mam having a good time

Macca showing his other talents

CONSETT old boys Robb'n'Staff crooning

Left to right - Former Secretary Peter McClean, Physio Joe Darroch. Chaff, Staffy and former keeper Sid Teasdale

The rod of steel - Chaff & Suggs a defensive partnership made in heaven

Mr & Mrs Tiger - William Anthony & Mandy

COLIN McLEOD'S TESTIMONIAL MATCH

On Thursday 28th March the club are to hold Colin McLeod's 10 Year Testimonial with Consett taking on an Old Boys Team. Players like David Bayles, Andy Sinclair, Steven Robson, Dickie Lee, Carl Rowell, Paul Quinn, are taking part, with last season's retiring duo Mark Outterside and Gary Cowley also penciled in to play. In addition the likes of Butch Candlish, Ian ''Chaff'' Rob, John Dodds and Jeff Wright will be taking some part in the game. The night will continue in the Bar after the game when we will have the presentation to Colin and a Karaoke. Everyone is welcome.

THE GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE

Over the years a number of Consett players have left the club, be it for one reason or an other, maybe to better their game or just to have a change of scenery, but this season they all seem to be flooding back, giving the impression that the grass may not be greener on the other side.

This season sees the return of Ian Davison who left for Chester le Street, Tiger Halliday who was enticed away to Esh Winning, Darren Grimes has just returned from Ryton, and Lee Suddes from Newcastle Blue Star.

These add to a list of players in the past who have left and came back namely Alan Batey who went to Penrith, Jeff Sugden to Gateshead, Colin McLeod to Bishop Auckland and Whitley Bay, and Johnny Brown who tried his talents out at Durham City. All now being part of the Steelmen's 2002 squad and all playing as well as ever.

The club are to hold a Sportsman's Dinner in the Civic Hall on Thursday 28th February 2002.

Guest speaker will be Bob Moncur with top north comic Terry Joyce. Tickets are £20 each from John Hurst (01207 581600).