Leek Get Proffitt

Leek Town director of football Neil Baker’s squad-building plans continued last week when he advised trialists Matt Anderson, Tom Moss and Theo Stair that he was unable to offer them terms for the coming season.

However, Baker has agreed terms with three other players in midfielders Wayne Corden and Shaun Turner as well as striker Dorryl Proffitt.

Baker is also confident of signing winger Devon Gibson who is currently mulling over an offer to keep him at the club for a second successive season.

The Blues’ squad is still 25-strong but Baker hasn’t ruled out the possibility of signing two or three more players before the league campaign kicks off in under four weeks time.

Meanwhile, leading scorer Dan Cope is now waiting for the results of an MRI scan on his troublesome knee that has restricted his pre-season training.

>>Baker leads from the front

Director of football Neil Baker has not only been dictating tactics out on the Leek Town training field, he has also been leading from the front to complete a programme of work to upgrade Harrison Park throughout the summer.

Baker and his management team, including Lee Caswell and Kenny Scragg and players Mark Fitton and Richard Minor, have put in many hours over the summer sprucing up the stadium and refurbishing the toilets.

Baker’s off the field team of volunteers have also been working hard down at the club with Andy Reeves, Chris Hermiston, Robin Halton Denis Bates, Ranvir Gill, Alison Scragg and Mark Brough together with others too numerous to mention, all doing their bit over the last 8 weeks.,

>>Remaining pre-season fixtures

Unbeaten Leek Town continue their pre-season programme of friendlies with a home game against League Two neighbours Macclesfield Town on Tuesday 7.45pm.

Blues then entertain Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit FC United of Manchester on Saturday 30 July at 3.00pm.

Fans are being urged to purchase tickets for the game which are on sale at various outlets in the town, as well as in the club shop this Thursday 28 July from 7pm until 9pm.

However, this match is not all-ticket and fans can pay at the door on the day.

FC United are returning to Leek for the first time in five years after playing their first ever competitive game at Harrison Park against ground-sharers Leek CSOB in a North West Counties League fixture.

Leek officials are urging fans to get down to Harrison Park early for the game when the Blues Bar will be open for a happy hour - or two.

For this fixture only, the bar will be open from 1pm and fans can buy a pint for just £2 - right up until kick-off at 3pm. The refreshment bar will also be open for business from 1.30pm where pie and peas will be available for just £2.

Members of Blues’ match-day staff are advised of a meeting to be held before the FC United game to confirm all match-day duties for the coming season – further details will be announced at Tuesday’s match against Macclesfield.

Leek complete their friendly programme with another home game against Evo-Stik Premier opposition
when neighbours Buxton are the visitors on Saturday 6 August 3.00p

>>Chairman looks forward to new season

Leek Town Chairman Andy Wain is looking forward to the new season with renewed optimism after former Blues’ legend Neil Baker returned to the club as Director of Football.

Wain is full of praise at the way Baker has breezed into Harrison Park like a breath of fresh air to direct operations with his management team and many volunteers.

The Chairman is now looking to encourage local businesses to get involved with the club after Blues secured a main sponsorship deal with Adams Foods (formerly Kerrygold) for a record 15th consecutive year.

Wain is now seeking match-day, match-ball, and player sponsorship as well as having available prime advertising space at very competitive rates in all parts of the ground. Blues are also looking for away travel sponsors.

Anyone interested in supporting the area’s premier club should contact Andy Wain on 07974 710 181
or e-mail andywain2@sky.com - alternatively ring Robin Halton on 07964 385 307.

Chairman Andy Wain is proud of the way the junior side of the club has developed during the summer with Blues fielding no fewer than 19 sides from 7 to 18years this season.

Much of the work in this respect has been done by Dr Denis Bates, Tracy Reynolds and Barbara Hermiston but the contribution made by the managers, coaches and admin staff as well as the players and their parents, has been immense.

>>Away travel

Leek Town Football Club officials have announced that the club will travel by coach to the first two away games of the season.

The squad will travel to Hucknall on Wednesday 17 August and a limited number of seats on the coach will be available for spectators – the fare will be £5.00.

Blues will then travel to Grantham on Saturday 20 August and the fare will be £8.00 – anyone wishing to travel to either game should ring 01538 386 356.

Leek Town’s youngsters will be involved in the FA Youth Cup this season travelling to Pegasus Juniors in the first qualifying round and the squad will travel by coach into Herefordshire.

Anyone wishing to sponsor either the first team or youth team travel costs should contact Andy Wain on 07974 710 181 or e-mail andywain2@sky.com - alternatively ring Robin Halton on 07964 385 307.

>>Blues stage Motown and Northern Soul night

Leek Town FC is holding a Motown and Northern Soul Disco night in the Blues Bar on Saturday 6th August.

The evening kicks off at 8pm and will run until late and promises to be a great night for all lovers of Motown and Northern Soul.

Tickets priced just £5 will be available from behind the Blues Bar at both the Macclesfield Town and FC United of Manchester friendlies next week.

Tickets and further information on the event are also available from Matt Beeby on 07712 584 356 or Gavin Bateman on 07891 750 795.

It will also be possible to pay on the door and the management will be encouraging the players to attend so this will be an opportunity for the supporters to get to know the new playing squad.