Ex-Stags Striker Is New Snipes Boss
7th June, 2006
New Sutton Town boss Lee Wilson has vowed to help turn the debt-ridden club around and bring sporting glory back to The Fieldings-based team.
The former Stags player was named the Snipes' new boss last night after a two-season spell at Northern Counties East League rivals Glapwell.
The appointment follows this week's takeover by a consortium of local businessmen, who bought former chairman Eric Hetherington's 50 per cent stake in the club to help secure the crisis-hit side's short-term future.
And delighted Wilson told Chad he and the forward-thinking consortium now hoped to turn the struggling team around and achieve some on-field success.
He told Chad: "I am very excited about the challenge ahead, it is a new start for both myself and Sutton Town.
"There have been a lot of well publicised off-the-field problems but everyone here is looking forward to taking the club forward.
"The new board members are Sutton Town through and through and are here because they love this club. Everyone is determined to do things the right way and bring in a new professional attitude to help push the club forward in the long term.
"We have plans to develop Sutton Town through a number of ways including by improving training methods and extra community involvement.
"We have a big catchment area and we hope to play good attractive football, to bring the crowds back and ultimately reach the Unibond League."
The former Stags player was named the Snipes' new boss last night after a two-season spell at Northern Counties East League rivals Glapwell.
The appointment follows this week's takeover by a consortium of local businessmen, who bought former chairman Eric Hetherington's 50 per cent stake in the club to help secure the crisis-hit side's short-term future.
And delighted Wilson told Chad he and the forward-thinking consortium now hoped to turn the struggling team around and achieve some on-field success.
He told Chad: "I am very excited about the challenge ahead, it is a new start for both myself and Sutton Town.
"There have been a lot of well publicised off-the-field problems but everyone here is looking forward to taking the club forward.
"The new board members are Sutton Town through and through and are here because they love this club. Everyone is determined to do things the right way and bring in a new professional attitude to help push the club forward in the long term.
"We have plans to develop Sutton Town through a number of ways including by improving training methods and extra community involvement.
"We have a big catchment area and we hope to play good attractive football, to bring the crowds back and ultimately reach the Unibond League."
(Story Source: Ashfield Chad)
New Board Face Massive Debts
4th June, 2006
Mel Spence, one of the men behind a successful rescue mission at Sutton Town, has revealed that the Northern Counties East League's club debts are "phenomenal", reports the Non-League Paper.
A deal to buy chairman Eric Hetherington's 50% stake and effectively secure the Nottinghamshire club's short-term future was completed late on Thursday evening.
But, Spence urged supporters to be patient as his consortium prepares a "clean sweep of the club".
"Let's say that the debts were more than initially disclosed," he said.
"I don't want to put a figure on it, but it runs into tens of thousands of pounds.
"The more important figure, at this stage, is that we must pay off ?30,000 this season."
Currently the club is without a manager after the resignation of former Mansfield Town and Darlington defender Les McJannet, who has since joined Glapwell, but Spence believes the more important loss is secretary Roger Keeling.
"To be honest, Les would have been sacked if he hadn't resigned.
"He enjoyed success here, but he given a lot of money with which to do it - and the crowds of 30 and 40 at the end of the season were reaction to some poor football.
"Roger, on the other hand, is a big loss to us. He has been great for Sutton and has virtually run the club when Eric hasn't been here.
"Perhaps he was shocked hearing about the final debt."
Mr Spence said he was hopeful most of last season's squad, which fared well in their first term in the Premier Division, would stay, but the new directors would be looking for "lads who will wear Sutton on their sleeves".
"We will have a reasonable budget, but a reduced one.
"We must therefore ask the fans to be patient, but also to stick with us.
"Once we get through next season, things could look brighter for Sutton again."
Hetherington, who will play no formal role in the new structure, said he had "mixed feelings" but wished the directors "the very
best of luck".
"I feel empty and sad in a way because obviously Sutton is in my blood.
"It's not easy to run a Non-League club at this level and I accept that I had taken Sutton as far as I could.
"We needed new blood, new ideas and new enthusiasm and that's what we've now got."
A deal to buy chairman Eric Hetherington's 50% stake and effectively secure the Nottinghamshire club's short-term future was completed late on Thursday evening.
But, Spence urged supporters to be patient as his consortium prepares a "clean sweep of the club".
"Let's say that the debts were more than initially disclosed," he said.
"I don't want to put a figure on it, but it runs into tens of thousands of pounds.
"The more important figure, at this stage, is that we must pay off ?30,000 this season."
Currently the club is without a manager after the resignation of former Mansfield Town and Darlington defender Les McJannet, who has since joined Glapwell, but Spence believes the more important loss is secretary Roger Keeling.
"To be honest, Les would have been sacked if he hadn't resigned.
"He enjoyed success here, but he given a lot of money with which to do it - and the crowds of 30 and 40 at the end of the season were reaction to some poor football.
"Roger, on the other hand, is a big loss to us. He has been great for Sutton and has virtually run the club when Eric hasn't been here.
"Perhaps he was shocked hearing about the final debt."
Mr Spence said he was hopeful most of last season's squad, which fared well in their first term in the Premier Division, would stay, but the new directors would be looking for "lads who will wear Sutton on their sleeves".
"We will have a reasonable budget, but a reduced one.
"We must therefore ask the fans to be patient, but also to stick with us.
"Once we get through next season, things could look brighter for Sutton again."
Hetherington, who will play no formal role in the new structure, said he had "mixed feelings" but wished the directors "the very
best of luck".
"I feel empty and sad in a way because obviously Sutton is in my blood.
"It's not easy to run a Non-League club at this level and I accept that I had taken Sutton as far as I could.
"We needed new blood, new ideas and new enthusiasm and that's what we've now got."
(Story Source: The Non-League Paper)
New Owners For Snipes
2nd June, 2006
A consortium of local business people has completed the takeover of Sutton Town Football Club Limited.
Jim Urquhart, the spokesman and adviser to the group, said that the shareholding of outgoing chairman Eric Hetherington has passed back to the club for a nominal sum and all bona fide debts will become the responsibility of the new consortium with creditors being contacted at the earliest opportunity.
It is the intention of the new consortium to transfer the club to a not-for-profit community club as soon as it is financially viable.
At this point, they would like to thank Eric Hetherington for his tireless work and commitment to the club over the last six years and wish him well for the future.
On his departure, Eric Hetherington wished the club every success for the future and thanked the consortium for the professionalism in the way the negotiations were handled.
Jim Urquhart, the spokesman and adviser to the group, said that the shareholding of outgoing chairman Eric Hetherington has passed back to the club for a nominal sum and all bona fide debts will become the responsibility of the new consortium with creditors being contacted at the earliest opportunity.
It is the intention of the new consortium to transfer the club to a not-for-profit community club as soon as it is financially viable.
At this point, they would like to thank Eric Hetherington for his tireless work and commitment to the club over the last six years and wish him well for the future.
On his departure, Eric Hetherington wished the club every success for the future and thanked the consortium for the professionalism in the way the negotiations were handled.
(Story Source: Sutton Town)
Talks Begin For Control Of Snipes
24th May, 2006
Sutton Town Chairman Eric Hetherington has confirmed that he has entered into talks with the Consortium who have expressed an interest in taking over the club.
Hetherington has agreed in principal with the consortium's willingness to take the club forward.
However, there are still some details to be sorted out before things can be finalised later this week.
Meanwhile, Hetherington has paid tribute to former manager Les McJannet who left the club earlier this week to join Glapwell.
"Both Les and myself have enjoyed many fruitful times since our inauguration as North Notts and the reformation of Sutton Town.
"He has done an excellent job here and I wish him all the very best for the future. We both talked earlier this week and both agreed it was probably the best time to move on."
"I'm sure he will be remembered for the successes we have all enjoyed during his past six years in charge at Sutton Town."
Hetherington has agreed in principal with the consortium's willingness to take the club forward.
However, there are still some details to be sorted out before things can be finalised later this week.
Meanwhile, Hetherington has paid tribute to former manager Les McJannet who left the club earlier this week to join Glapwell.
"Both Les and myself have enjoyed many fruitful times since our inauguration as North Notts and the reformation of Sutton Town.
"He has done an excellent job here and I wish him all the very best for the future. We both talked earlier this week and both agreed it was probably the best time to move on."
"I'm sure he will be remembered for the successes we have all enjoyed during his past six years in charge at Sutton Town."
(Story Source: Sutton Town)
McJannet Leaves Snipes
17th May, 2006
Sutton Town manager Les McJannet has quit the club after six years in charge.
McJannet, who led the club to three promotions cited the "turmoil" at the crisis-ridden club behind his decision to quit.
"I have enjoyed my six years in charge at Sutton, but the recent turmoil has made me consider my position and I am now looking for a new challenge," he said.
The former Mansfield Town and Darlington defender added: "I am sad to be leaving, but all good things come to an end."
Meanwhile, a former official of troubled Sutton Town Football Club has called on Snipes Chairman Eric Hetherington to stand down without further delay.
Mr Hetherington has already put his 50 per cent stake in the Northern Counties East Club up for sale.
But former press officer Richard Button said: "The crisis at Sutton Town Football Club demands fresh ideas and fresh leadership. For the good of the club, Eric must stand down.
"Under Eric's stewardship Sutton Town has enjoyed remarkable success both on and off the pitch - the rapid rise up the Non-League Pyramid, three cup finals as well the development of the excellent facilities at the Fieldings all pay testimony to his leadership.
"Eric has every reason to feel proud of all of this and he written himself into the club's history book. However, with the club's very existence at stake all of his achievements could be wiped out and quickly forgotten.
"The club is heavily in debt, and players' wages remain unpaid from the season just completed. We are also witnessing the break up of the squad which has achieved so much. In short, Sutton Town FC is in meltdown.
"I sincerely believe that should Eric remain in charge, at best there will be an irreversible decline. At worst the club will not start the 2006/7 campaign.
"It would be a tragedy for a man who has done so much for Sutton Town Football club to be remembered only for its demise.
"I therefore call on him to stand down, with dignity and let new people who can restore the fortunes of the club take over."
Meanwhile, Mr Hetherington has insisted that the club would still be operating in the Northern Counties East League next season, but admitted that they were in a difficult position and in need of finance to pay off existing debts.
"There are plenty of people who want to take the club on, and I have no problem with that, but there has been no serious negotiation with me as yet," Mr Hetherington told Chad this week.
"I would welcome positive talks with them - I've had some contact with members of the consortium who wish to take the club on, but as yet no cards have been put on the table.
"I've taken the club as far as I can and would like to sell my shares and stand down as chairman, although I would also welcome the chance to stay with the club in some capacity.
"I've no doubts that the club will continue, speculation that we will go under is just idle gossip, but whether it will go on with me as chairman is another matter, as is the question of whether it will continue as a limited company or be run as a community club.
"We do need the finance to pay off the debts, which are not massive, but are made up of smaller amounts to a number of creditors. I've spoken to most of those, who are prepared to allow time for the club to pay them off."
It is understood that the consortium who wish to buy out Mr Hetherington's shares is made up of some of the existing committee members.
McJannet, who led the club to three promotions cited the "turmoil" at the crisis-ridden club behind his decision to quit.
"I have enjoyed my six years in charge at Sutton, but the recent turmoil has made me consider my position and I am now looking for a new challenge," he said.
The former Mansfield Town and Darlington defender added: "I am sad to be leaving, but all good things come to an end."
Meanwhile, a former official of troubled Sutton Town Football Club has called on Snipes Chairman Eric Hetherington to stand down without further delay.
Mr Hetherington has already put his 50 per cent stake in the Northern Counties East Club up for sale.
But former press officer Richard Button said: "The crisis at Sutton Town Football Club demands fresh ideas and fresh leadership. For the good of the club, Eric must stand down.
"Under Eric's stewardship Sutton Town has enjoyed remarkable success both on and off the pitch - the rapid rise up the Non-League Pyramid, three cup finals as well the development of the excellent facilities at the Fieldings all pay testimony to his leadership.
"Eric has every reason to feel proud of all of this and he written himself into the club's history book. However, with the club's very existence at stake all of his achievements could be wiped out and quickly forgotten.
"The club is heavily in debt, and players' wages remain unpaid from the season just completed. We are also witnessing the break up of the squad which has achieved so much. In short, Sutton Town FC is in meltdown.
"I sincerely believe that should Eric remain in charge, at best there will be an irreversible decline. At worst the club will not start the 2006/7 campaign.
"It would be a tragedy for a man who has done so much for Sutton Town Football club to be remembered only for its demise.
"I therefore call on him to stand down, with dignity and let new people who can restore the fortunes of the club take over."
Meanwhile, Mr Hetherington has insisted that the club would still be operating in the Northern Counties East League next season, but admitted that they were in a difficult position and in need of finance to pay off existing debts.
"There are plenty of people who want to take the club on, and I have no problem with that, but there has been no serious negotiation with me as yet," Mr Hetherington told Chad this week.
"I would welcome positive talks with them - I've had some contact with members of the consortium who wish to take the club on, but as yet no cards have been put on the table.
"I've taken the club as far as I can and would like to sell my shares and stand down as chairman, although I would also welcome the chance to stay with the club in some capacity.
"I've no doubts that the club will continue, speculation that we will go under is just idle gossip, but whether it will go on with me as chairman is another matter, as is the question of whether it will continue as a limited company or be run as a community club.
"We do need the finance to pay off the debts, which are not massive, but are made up of smaller amounts to a number of creditors. I've spoken to most of those, who are prepared to allow time for the club to pay them off."
It is understood that the consortium who wish to buy out Mr Hetherington's shares is made up of some of the existing committee members.
(Story Source: Mansfield Chad)
Snipes Up For Sale
26th April, 2006
Sutton Town Chairman Eric Hetherington has put the club up for sale.
Hetherington expressed his thanks for the businesses that have supported the club over the past six years which include ABACUS Lighting, Mr A Wass Funeral Directors, A1. Coms, Alpine Windows, Ashfield District Council Transport Division Fast Frame UK, Craig, Sweet & Lawson solicitors, Hardy Hansons, ICS International Jackson Building Society, Mansfield Building Society, Martin International, Metalmania, NN Neta Electricals and Total Hire & Sales.
Crucially, Sutton Town FC have secured a two year shirt sponsorship with lightning specialists ABACUS which will stand the club in good stead.
However, Hetherington feels he needs to spend more time with his family and on his own business interests.
Over the last six years, he has built the club up from nothing to finally establish themselves in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division - achieving three promotions and two championships during that period.
Parties interested in buying the club should write to: Sutton Town Football Club, The Fieldings, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, NG17 2HB.
Hetherington expressed his thanks for the businesses that have supported the club over the past six years which include ABACUS Lighting, Mr A Wass Funeral Directors, A1. Coms, Alpine Windows, Ashfield District Council Transport Division Fast Frame UK, Craig, Sweet & Lawson solicitors, Hardy Hansons, ICS International Jackson Building Society, Mansfield Building Society, Martin International, Metalmania, NN Neta Electricals and Total Hire & Sales.
Crucially, Sutton Town FC have secured a two year shirt sponsorship with lightning specialists ABACUS which will stand the club in good stead.
However, Hetherington feels he needs to spend more time with his family and on his own business interests.
Over the last six years, he has built the club up from nothing to finally establish themselves in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division - achieving three promotions and two championships during that period.
Parties interested in buying the club should write to: Sutton Town Football Club, The Fieldings, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, NG17 2HB.
Snipes Reach County Cup Final
12th April, 2006
Sutton Town have won their way though to their first Final in the Notts Senior Cup since way back in 1979.
Goals from Chris Rhodes and Colin Cockerill eased them through their semi after fellow NCEL side Arnold Town had taken the lead thanks to an early second half goal from David Wilkins.
Ironically, they'll now face the team that they lost out to 27 years ago, Eastwood Town.
The Snipes will go all out to avenge that defeat and land the outright record for winning the Notts Senior Cup.
They currently share that honour with Nottingham Forest. Both have won the trophy seventeen times.
Goals from Chris Rhodes and Colin Cockerill eased them through their semi after fellow NCEL side Arnold Town had taken the lead thanks to an early second half goal from David Wilkins.
Ironically, they'll now face the team that they lost out to 27 years ago, Eastwood Town.
The Snipes will go all out to avenge that defeat and land the outright record for winning the Notts Senior Cup.
They currently share that honour with Nottingham Forest. Both have won the trophy seventeen times.
(Story Source: Sutton Town)
Leave Our Stars Alone, Say Snipes
5th March, 2006
Sutton Town chairman Eric Hetherington has issued a hands-off warning to higher league clubs not to come in for his young stars - unless the price is right.
It comes after he rejected a bid by Conference North neighbours Hucknall Town for strike duo Ian Brown and Craig Mitchell following a friendly between the two sides.
Mitchell previously played for Mansfield Town and Leigh RMI, while Brown turned down a YTS place at Mansfield to continue his studies.
Hucknall are one of several higher league clubs who have shown an interest in the 20-year-olds who have scored 23 goals between them in the Premier Division this season.
The size of the bid has not been disclosed, but Hetherington was quick to reject it.
It comes after he rejected a bid by Conference North neighbours Hucknall Town for strike duo Ian Brown and Craig Mitchell following a friendly between the two sides.
Mitchell previously played for Mansfield Town and Leigh RMI, while Brown turned down a YTS place at Mansfield to continue his studies.
Hucknall are one of several higher league clubs who have shown an interest in the 20-year-olds who have scored 23 goals between them in the Premier Division this season.
The size of the bid has not been disclosed, but Hetherington was quick to reject it.
(Story Source: The Non-League Paper)
Tables
| NCEL Premier Division | P | Pts | +/- | ||
| P | 1 | Buxton | 38 | 95 | 75 |
| 2 | Liversedge | 38 | 80 | 57 | |
| P | 3 | Harrogate Railway | 38 | 73 | 43 |
| 4 | Sheffield | 38 | 70 | 20 | |
| 5 | Arnold Town (-3) | 38 | 67 | 27 | |
| 6 | Pickering Town | 38 | 66 | 21 | |
| 7 | Sutton Town | 38 | 60 | 21 | |
| 8 | Selby Town | 38 | 56 | -2 | |
| 9 | Thackley (-3) | 38 | 54 | -3 | |
| 10 | Armthorpe Welfare | 38 | 47 | -12 | |
| 11 | Glapwell | 38 | 47 | -25 | |
| 12 | Garforth Town (-1) | 38 | 46 | -7 | |
| 13 | Mickleover Spts | 38 | 44 | -22 | |
| 14 | Eccleshill United | 38 | 43 | -4 | |
| 15 | Shirebrook Town (-3) | 38 | 40 | -26 | |
| 16 | Glasshoughton Welf | 38 | 38 | -18 | |
| 17 | Hallam | 38 | 38 | -29 | |
| 18 | Maltby Main (-1) | 38 | 37 | -18 | |
| 19 | Long Eaton United (-3) | 38 | 29 | -39 | |
| 20 | Brodsworth Welf | 38 | 23 | -59 | |
| NCEL Division One | P | Pts | +/- | ||
| P | 1 | Carlton Town | 30 | 73 | 41 |
| P | 2 | Retford United | 30 | 65 | 46 |
| 3 | Tadcaster Albion | 30 | 64 | 20 | |
| 4 | Gedling Town | 30 | 62 | 41 | |
| 5 | Winterton Rangers | 30 | 61 | 44 | |
| 6 | Parkgate | 30 | 59 | 47 | |
| 7 | Lincoln Moorlands | 30 | 49 | 16 | |
| 8 | Borrowash Victoria | 30 | 49 | 5 | |
| 9 | Worsbrough Bridge MW | 30 | 38 | -10 | |
| 10 | Staveley MW | 30 | 31 | -13 | |
| 11 | Pontefract Collieries | 30 | 25 | -21 | |
| 12 | Rossington Main | 30 | 25 | -29 | |
| 13 | Sth Normanton | 30 | 24 | -42 | |
| 14 | Hall Road Rangers | 30 | 23 | -44 | |
| 15 | Teversal | 30 | 21 | -50 | |
| 16 | Yorkshire Amateur | 30 | 16 | -51 | |