Fans leave new chairman predicting bright future

Goole AFC's new chairman Steve Shorthouse is predicting a bright future for the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Vikings.

Former Frickley Athletic vice-chairman Shorthouse, pictured, took over at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds on Saturday in time to see the First Division South club lose 2-1 to league leaders Sutton Coldfield Town under new manager Alan Semley.

Despite the defeat to the Royals, the new Vikings chairman said he was absolutely delighted with the performance from the entire squad and the response from the crowd at the weekend following the upheaval and change of regime at the club - his appointment as the successor to Baron Bloom who left in December after taking control in October 2013 and Semley for former manager Curtis Woodhouse.

In a club statement on Sunday confirming his appointment, Shorthouse said: "It's been a tough week for all at the club but that week has now passed, we now move on and from what was evident today, the future is certainly a bright one."

Semley was also delighted with the support from the fans in his first game in charge since replacing footballer turned boxer Woodhouse after he stood down last week after nearly a year at the helm.

He said: "I would just like to say on behalf of all the players and management how grateful we are for the fantastic support and for the players to be cheered and applauded off the field after a defeat speaks volumes for the true fans at the club.

"I think the team as a whole showed character and desire to play for the shirt and I cannot ask any more than that. The players deserve huge credit for what we asked them to do and the young lads and debutants in particular should be proud of their performances.

"The experienced players we had through the team in Peter Fotko, Derry Robson, Dave Taylor and Andy Jackson led the team in truly awful weather conditions to play football and the new captain and vice-captain Taylor and Robson showed the leadership I knew they would bring to the side."

He added: "We now have a positive start although in defeat and can look forward with optimism."

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