Merger breathes new life into Saints

CATHERINE SMYTH CENTURY old amateur football club ‘the Saints’ will continue marching on after it merged with Water Football Club.

Stacksteads St Joseph’s was facing uncertainty, but thanks to a new management team of former Saints goalkeeper Martin Hurst and Water FC’s manager Liam Wademan, the club’s future is assured.

The merged teams – still under historic St Joey’s name – now boast 30 players, their own changing facilities, a pitch at Stacksteads Recreation Ground and a new under 13s squad.

Chairman Dave Tomlinson said: “The 105-year-history of Stacksteads St Joseph’s will now continue, and it is all thanks to the publicity we received in May when we appealed for new managers and players.

“I am delighted that our former manager Wayne Nuttall is also retaining an active role within the club and he is still fully committed to the future of Stacksteads St Joey’s.

“We were approached by Water, who didn’t have their own facilities and were using facilities at ●● Stacksteads St Joseph’s under 13s team and, right, the new management team of Liam Wademan and Martin Hurst Marl Pits as a base.

“Together Martin and Liam have brought new players to Stacksteads and Liam has also brought a junior team that plays in the Accrington Combined U13s League. This is something we have wanted to set up for quite some time. We wanted longevity and now we have it.”

Dave said other merger offers would have led to the club’s name and history disappearing.

Secretary Brian Croisdale said: “We have ambitious plans for our changing rooms to make them more accessible and a place for the community to be able to use.

“We would like to thank Stacksteads Riverside Park Group for its help and Rossendale Council for doing a great job with the pitch and the banking area to prepare it for the new season.”

The club plays in the East Lancashire Football League with training sessions every Tuesday for seniors and Thursday for juniors at Fearns Community Sports College over the winter period. For more information on the club contact Dave on 07764 348749 or Brian on 07971 068708. ●●

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