Pioneer honoured with life membership

A former Leek Town director has been made a life member as a reward for his pioneering work at the EVO-STIK League's Blues.

Dr Dennis Bates, pictured, is credited with developing the First Division South club's award-winning junior section and handling their successful applications for grant funding for the new floodlights and pitch perimeter fencing at Harrison Park.

A native of High Wycombe, he holds a PhD from Lancaster University and retired from the Manchester Metropolitan University in 2002 as head of the Religious Studies Department. He has been a member of the club for almost 20 years, seven of those as a member of the Staffordshire outfit's board.

Officials say the pinnacle of his involvement was taking the Blues’ embryonic junior section to FA Charter Standard Community status. Thanks to his work over a three-year period, the junior section now boasts 29 sides playing under the Blues banner including girls and disabled sections.

In the statement announcing the honour, the Blues said: "Thanks to his hard work and the support of many others Leek Town has won the Staffordshire Football Association Charter Standard Development Club of the Year award for 2012 and 2013 and in 2013 was one of only 16 Staffordshire clubs to achieve FA Community status."

* Leek Town goalkeeper Ben Chapman celebrated his 100th game for the club during Saturday's FA Cup win over when Stourport Swifts. Chapman returned to Leek in January 2013 after a spell with Welsh League side Airbus UK. He originally joined the Blues on loan from Nantwich Town in November 2011.

Striker Tim Grice is fast approaching his own milestone, his 50th Blues goal after his 49th proved to be the winner in the weekend's 2-1 First Qualifying Round victory.

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