New chair heralds blue dawn

Life-long Frickley Athletic fan Gareth Dando is the club's new chairman.

Dando is vowing to build on the work of former chairman Pete Bywater who stood down in May and supporters who he praised for keeping the club going through 'thick and thin'.

In an interview with Frickley Athletic's website manager Steve Pennock, Athletic's new chairman says the club is in a great position to progress both on and off the field because the former chairman and fans had ensured they didn't owe anybody a penny and were now self-sustaining.

As a result, current funding bids to expand Frickley's community reach and continue building their fan base would also be stepped up revealed Dando, previously a Blues director.

"I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity to be Chairman the club which has played a big part of my life since I was six years old," said Dando.

"The strength of the club lies in a fantastic group of volunteers and the supporters who’ve kept the faith through thick and thin. We’ve never been the richest club in the world but money isn’t everything at this level.

"Being united and working hard together goes along way and that Frickley spirit is the key to moving us forward as a club.

"Over the last decade the club has become financially self-sustaining to the extent that apart from a small overdraft, we don’t owe anyone anything.

"That is a great platform on which to build and grow. One of the most important next steps in that growth is to make sure the club becomes an integral part of the community.

"The proposed new changing rooms and function room are really taking shape now with bids due to be submitted to funders in the next few months. The new facility will allow other local clubs and organisations to have a base and to work with us.

"We’re also putting in place links with local schools and colleges with a view to sharing facilities and growing the fan base.

"We cannot rest on our laurels and expect people to come and watch regardless, we have to work hard and offer them entertainment and value for money.

"The aim of all the work behind the scenes is of course to try and give you the best team we possibly can on the pitch and to hopefully push on to the next level.

"It will not be easy but if we all pull in the same direction then we’ve a better chance of getting there and realising the full potential of this great club."