Tributes paid to Peter as Todd makes step down
AFTER one of the most successful years in Southport and Birkdale’s recent history it was unsurprising that the club’s AGM on Tuesday evening was a relatively peaceful affair.
The only change in senior captaincy saw the uncontested election of Tom Baybutt to take over the running of the second team following Craig Todd’s decision to step down after three successful years at the helm.
There was a change in S&B’s management team, however, as Andrew Carney was elected to serve as a second vice-chairman alongside Ken Gailey, who was re-elected to his current post.
Gailey’s remit will include selection and on-field issues while Carney will look after developmental matters and will also chair the County Match Delivery Group.
In his annual report Tony Elwood paid handsome tribute to the performances of the club’s senior teams in 2018 and also to the army of volunteers who have helped Trafalgar Road become one of the best outgrounds in the country.
“I want to thank everyone who has given up their time to help.” said Elwood.
“Whether that be serving as an officer or on a committee, assisting with fund-raising, running a junior team, painting the perimeter walls, tending the plants or serving as the club photographer - you are all, individually and collectively, a superb example of how a club should work.”
Elwood offered grateful and particular thanks to S&B’s generous sponsors, and also to the groundsmen, D’vine Catering and S&B’s bar staff.
However, his report ended on a touching note when he recalled the shock felt after the death in May of the club’s former groundsman, Peter Bailey.
“Peter had been ever present for over 30 years and had seemed indestructible, even surviving cancer in 2013,” said Elwood.
“He had even taken to volunteering at S&B on a Friday morning and was training to run a half marathon with one of his grand-daughters when he was struck down. He is, and will continue to be, very sadly missed.”