Day: 9 May 2024
Brighouse Echo Sport – All the latest news from the Heffernan Utilities Stadium by Dave Parker
Brighouse Town officials are still in a state of flux as the FA ponder over spread sheets with regards a possible reprieve for them and Step 4 Southern League club Thame United.
It is understood the FA will look at Town’s Points Per Game total and that of Thame Utd -the pair of them far superior to all other relegated Step 4 clubs across the country- and then make their decisions next week.
Already the NCEL social media platforms are not mentioning Brighouse Town as a member next season, only bottom NPL East Division club Winterton Rangers from north Lincolnshire have been named in the new look Premier Division for that League.
Rumours are rife that Town will replace the Teeside club Marske United who resigned half way through the season but they cannot get any clarification on that from the Northern Premier League chiefs as the matter is entirely in the hands of the FA.
Town’s chairman Chris Lister commented on Monday that he is delighted with the calibre of the applicants for the new managers position, despite the current uncertainty awaiting FA confirmation of a reprieve for Town, and he is hoping to make an announcement soon on his No:1 target for the position accepting the role.
The players were as of April 30 all free agents and whoever comes in will have to build a new squad, which will be a major task.
Off the field the club is also held up pressing ahead for renewing sponsorships and also sorting out early-bird season ticket requests.
Town will not be visiting Hebburn Town next season as they have been promoted as East Division champions and Stockton Town joined them last Saturday as play-off final winners after beating Dunston on penalties after being 3-1 down at one stage.
Bishop Auckland are coming into the East Division and from West Yorkshire champions of the NCEL Premier Emley and Garforth Town.
Less travelling for Town there should they be saved from the drop.
Tonight (Thursday) there is the last of the Halifax League finals (7.0pm) and then next Tuesday, May 14 (4.0pm) there is the Calderdale Schools U12 final and an hour later the U14 final.
The following day, again at 4pm, the U13 final will take place followed by the U15 final.
Last Thursday Brooksbank beat Trinity Academy 6-3 in the U-16 final.
Saturday from 1.30 there is also two finals in the West Yorkshire Fair Play League