A Message From Cotto
Thu 24th April 2014 | Norton United | By Ian Templeman
Norton United General Manager John Cotton has issued a message to his many friends and acquaintances around the League.
The "little general" was lapping the post match celebrations when Norton United clinched the Premier Division title at Winsford on Tuesday, just as he did four years ago when he was at Newcastle Town.
Now, as he prepares to move with a club into the Evo-Stik League for the second time in four years, Cotto wants to share a few memories with everyone:
"I first came into the League as Secretary of Newcastle Town at the League AGM in Blackpool in June 1987. Newcastle Town entered the league in the season 1987-88 playing our first match against Whitworth Valley.
"During my time with Newcastle as Secretary and General Manager the club's record was as follows, until promotion in May 2010:
Division Two runners up 1991-92 - promoted to the First Division.
Premier Division runners up 1995-96, 1996-97, 1999-00, 2004-05
League Challenge Cup winners 1996-97, runners up 1990-00 and 2003-04
Floodlit Trophy winners 1992-93 and 1995-96, 1996-97
"In addition they were winners and runners up in the Staffordshire Senior Cup, Walsall Senior Cup winners twice and runners up, and there was an FA Vase semi final, and a place in the FA Cup 1st Round proper.
"Then we were finally promoted to the Unibond League at the end of the 2009-10 season.
"During that time, I was privileged to watch teams managed by the late Peter Clarke and Jimmy Wallace, Alan (Sidey) Sides, Nigel Gleghorn, Ray Walker and Greg Clowes. During that time we also had one Chairman, John Walker, Vice-Chairman Ken Walshaw and Secretary Ray Tatton.
"I was also proud to be elected as a club representative to the League Management Committee.
"Following my fight against cancer the new Town Chairman felt it was time for a change and the "little general" was surplus to requirements after Town's first season in the Unibond.
"Then in 2011, Steve Beaumont, Neil Dundas, Dennis Vickers and the club manager Scott Dundas asked me to join Norton United as their new little general - Cotto was back.
"Another phase in my encounter with the clubs and management committee began, and I returned to help a club that wanted my help to guide them forward both on and off the field. It was a privilege and an honour to accept.
"Since I've been at Norton United, I have watched them become Division One runners up, promoted to the Premier Division in 2011-12, and win the First Division Trophy and come runners-up in the Staffordshire FA Vase in the same season.
"And now, promotion to what is now the Evo-Stik League again.
"I've covered many a mile all over the North West and beyond, visiting every ground of the member clubs during the last 25+ years associated with the league, and watched over 1500 games home and away.
"I had many a battle on and off the pitch, but win or lose I had some booze. I have met and enjoyed the company of some great people and will always look forward to visiting member clubs in the future.
"I look forward to saying good bye to you all at Blackpool and will not be coming back to the League for a third time - mind you, never say never.
"The future's bright - the future's Norton".
The pictures above show Cotto in celebratory mood with the Premier Division trophy at Newcastle Town in 2010, and on Tuesday night with Norton United at the Barton Stadium.
A Message From Cotto
Thu 24th April 2014 | Norton United
By Ian Templeman
Norton United General Manager John Cotton has issued a message to his many friends and acquaintances around the League.
The "little general" was lapping the post match celebrations when Norton United clinched the Premier Division title at Winsford on Tuesday, just as he did four years ago when he was at Newcastle Town.
Now, as he prepares to move with a club into the Evo-Stik League for the second time in four years, Cotto wants to share a few memories with everyone:
"I first came into the League as Secretary of Newcastle Town at the League AGM in Blackpool in June 1987. Newcastle Town entered the league in the season 1987-88 playing our first match against Whitworth Valley.
"During my time with Newcastle as Secretary and General Manager the club's record was as follows, until promotion in May 2010:
Division Two runners up 1991-92 - promoted to the First Division.
Premier Division runners up 1995-96, 1996-97, 1999-00, 2004-05
League Challenge Cup winners 1996-97, runners up 1990-00 and 2003-04
Floodlit Trophy winners 1992-93 and 1995-96, 1996-97
"In addition they were winners and runners up in the Staffordshire Senior Cup, Walsall Senior Cup winners twice and runners up, and there was an FA Vase semi final, and a place in the FA Cup 1st Round proper.
"Then we were finally promoted to the Unibond League at the end of the 2009-10 season.
"During that time, I was privileged to watch teams managed by the late Peter Clarke and Jimmy Wallace, Alan (Sidey) Sides, Nigel Gleghorn, Ray Walker and Greg Clowes. During that time we also had one Chairman, John Walker, Vice-Chairman Ken Walshaw and Secretary Ray Tatton.
"I was also proud to be elected as a club representative to the League Management Committee.
"Following my fight against cancer the new Town Chairman felt it was time for a change and the "little general" was surplus to requirements after Town's first season in the Unibond.
"Then in 2011, Steve Beaumont, Neil Dundas, Dennis Vickers and the club manager Scott Dundas asked me to join Norton United as their new little general - Cotto was back.
"Another phase in my encounter with the clubs and management committee began, and I returned to help a club that wanted my help to guide them forward both on and off the field. It was a privilege and an honour to accept.
"Since I've been at Norton United, I have watched them become Division One runners up, promoted to the Premier Division in 2011-12, and win the First Division Trophy and come runners-up in the Staffordshire FA Vase in the same season.
"And now, promotion to what is now the Evo-Stik League again.
"I've covered many a mile all over the North West and beyond, visiting every ground of the member clubs during the last 25+ years associated with the league, and watched over 1500 games home and away.
"I had many a battle on and off the pitch, but win or lose I had some booze. I have met and enjoyed the company of some great people and will always look forward to visiting member clubs in the future.
"I look forward to saying good bye to you all at Blackpool and will not be coming back to the League for a third time - mind you, never say never.
"The future's bright - the future's Norton".
The pictures above show Cotto in celebratory mood with the Premier Division trophy at Newcastle Town in 2010, and on Tuesday night with Norton United at the Barton Stadium.
