Brothers follow in father's footsteps

Norman revived the Vikings two decades ago and the EVO-STIK NPL First Division North club's new saviours are headed up by his offspring Richard Norman and his brother Andy. Together the duo have joined forces with former chairman Steve Shorthouse and vice-chairman Craig Whincup to create an initial group to take the club forward into next season and attract new consortium members.

Discussions between the parties on coming together have been taking place since May and officials at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds are delighted with the development as manager Lee Morris continues his preparations for the new campaign.

A Vikings spokesman said: "The experience re-introduced to the club will no doubt raise its profile and will allow for a complete long-term plan to be constructed and implemented, with the aim of developing the club’s structure to improve it’s standing in the local and business community and work on delivering a stable base for the football team.

"The club welcomes this development and hopes confidence can be taken from such emphasis on long-term aims that will not see drastic changes but a club being built over the next decade that is fitting of the town and is there for all town folk to enjoy and become part of."

* The Vikings are appealing for fans to turn out on Saturday for their latest ground maintenance work day. The makeover days are set to continue every weekend until the new season kicks off and supporters being encouraged to bring along spare rollers, trays and brushes to help with painting, weeding and cleaning.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/