Football- Callington prepare for the next stage of their history

Following the momentous vote to allow Callington Town into the Jewson South Western League, the club have been busy preparing themselves for the next stage in their amazing 10 year history.

The 9 - 8 vote to accept their application for membership in the league has come at the end of an incredibly successful two years for manger Ian Southcott who has led his charges back to back East Cornwall Premier League Championships. The 27 year old in now preparing to strengthen his already experienced squad for the season ahead.

However, the team building is only a minute amount of the work that the club in undertaking. Work has already started on the drainage and Post & Rail for the Marsh ground and work on the new changing facilities will shortly commence in preparation for the season start on August 21st.

On the down side, the Town second team will have again compete in the Duchy League Premier Division following the controversial decision of the East Cornwall Premier League not to elect them to the league to take over from the championship winning first team.

Town chaiman Andrew Long was amazed at the decision of the league. "It seems incredible that after winning back to back championships, and taking the decision to advance the cause of football in our area, that the league have not elected our reserve side. But we will not the decision hold us back. We will carry on, together with the Colts, in building a better future for the football players and supporters of the Town."

At their Annual General Meeting, Callington elected Paul Blatchford as the new Second Team manager and he will work along side Ian Southcott and Dave Rider who will continue running the first and third team respectively. Former first team regular Jon Hake has joined Ian's back room staff while a new assistant to Paul is about to be announced.

At the meeting, Andrew Long was re-elected Chairman with Gary Marquand joining as his Vice Chairman. Phil Brown continues as Secretary with Authur Hooper as Tresurer. Other committee members will be Michele Skews, Trefor Griffith, Simon Hunt, Bill Rogers, Norman Buckingham, Dave Edge, Chris Thorpe, Brian Baker, the three managers, and the Colts representatives Colin White and Clive Liddicott.

With the season fast approaching, pre-season friendlies are being organised with games against Truro City, Torpoint, Goonhaven, and Buckfastleigh confirmed.

With the increased costs involved in competing in the Jewson South Western League, Callington are continuing to fund raise. As part of this, they have organised a Golg Day for Friday 9th July at Trethorne. Anyone interested should contact Gary Marquand for details. Also, they have started selling advertising hoardings at the new ground and 8' x2' boards will be on sale for a cost of £250 for the season. Any companies interested should contact Michele Skews or Andrew Long on 01579 383983.