Monthly Archives: June 2009

Two of the Green’s longest-serving and most loyal servants, Glenn Mackett and Lee Milton, have been honoured with a Vice-Presidency. Tonight’s annual general meeting unanimously voted the pair in and Patron Dave Homewood said “Glenn and Lee have proved they possess that special quality that many others in their age group don’t. It is called unconditional loyalty and we all know the handful of members it applies to. It is easy to be a wonderful clubman when everything in the garden is rosy but the litmus test arrives when things are tough. In all the years I have known them, I have never once even needed to ask if they were staying with the club. They are worth their weight in gold and when the tide turns, as it soon will, they will share in more success.”  Milton (above right) recently celebrated his 500th senior appearance while Mackett (pictured in 1999 as a Green Under 16 player) continues to be a class act despite the pressures of years of captaincy since he was appointed as a teenager.

This year’s presentation night will be the final one as a player for Dean Rolfe who retired during the season just finished. Dean admits to finding the attitude of players today hard to understand but he has had a trophy-laden career at the Green and still supports the lads whenever he can. A determined, passionate and sometimes volatile performer, Dean will receive his 100 senior appearance award on Friday 19th.

Lady Vice-President Una Knott is expected to be at this year’s ceremony to present the Peter Knott Memorial Trophy for the Most Improved Player in the club. Una is pictured presenting the prestigious award to Mark Smith in 1988 and Terry Perk in 1992. Una’s late husband Peter was vice-chairman and vice-president and was instrumental in the setting up of the Green’s hugely successful youth policy.

 More photos to follow as we prepare for a busy time with the AGM, presentations, quiz, barbeque and training in readiness for the challenges of 2009-10.

Some marvellous old photos have been received from Mick Teesdale and Jack Stafford and we will be featuring these during the next fortnight. Don’t forget  – any news and views get in touch with your website and we will publish your views.

(1) Firstly, a reminder that the AGM is on Monday 8 June at 7.30pm (Executive only meet at 6.30pm). The clubhouse will be open on Tuesday 9 June and Tuesday 16 June. Then we have the awards ceremony on Friday 19 June at the Elwick Club.

(2) There seems to have been some notion flying around that the Club is considering running an U17 side for next season. So there is no misunderstanding, the Executive has asked it to be reiterated that all youth players from last year’s squad are invited to training when it begins and hopefully will look to gain places in the senior set-up. Already 7 of the lads have played for the seniors and done well. There is no point in going backwards into boys football. The idea that the lads wanted to ‘stay together’ went out of the window when the opportunity to do just that with a Saturday 3rd team was received with what at best can be described as indifference. The Patron will talk to any boys and parents after the AGM or address the whole group after the awards ceremony. It is hoped everyone will want to stay and be a part of our future but there will not be an U17 side.

(3) To update on the Saturday Reserves situation, subject to formalities, the Club expects to appoint Ali Mehmet as team manager next week. Together with Dave Smith, Steve Mailey, Phil Wedge and Trent Thomas, we believe this forms a formidable management team with lots of experience and passion for the game.