A Good Year For Irlam
Thu 17th December 2015 | Irlam | By Ian Templeman
As 2015 draws to a close, Irlam Secretary Warren Dodd says everyone at the club is upbeat about the progress made, both on and off the field, over the course of the year.
Extensive development work at the club’s Silver Street ground and good performances on the field sees the club in good shape moving into 2016, and as Warren explained, they intend to keep the momentum going as we move into 2016.
“It’s been a pretty amazing 18 months for the Club really, and to be honest we haven't had time to draw breath and reflect on what we've achieved”, said Warren.
“A complete overhaul of the first team pitch’s drainage system was one of the first major projects at the ground, allowing the pitch to remain in top condition throughout the season.
“During that process, our Clubhouse continued to rise up from the foundations, a process that was completed by June 2015 and made possible with the major support of the Hamilton Davies Trust.
“At the same time, the creation of a new car park surface completely transformed the approach to the ground, giving the Club and its surroundings a real professional look to it.
"Our new Clubhouse is really coming into its own, proving to be a perfect space for many different events, giving the Club vital revenue that will be invested back into the development of Silver Street”.
The latest development, renewal of the perimeter fencing at the rear of the ground was completed in November, with the club choosing a combination of wood and steel to give the ground a real natural look at the furthest point of the ground, and Warren is now putting in place a plan for the next piece of development at the ground.
“Another project that is quietly going on in the background is the moving of the golf driving range at Boysnope Park and re-siting it at the ground.
“This will provide extensive covered accommodation in areas not yet covered. The driving range was making way for Peel Holdings’ development of Port Salford, and the Golf club owners, John, Neville and Peter Stringer generously offered to gift it to the football club.
“We then approached Peel Holdings, asking if they would help us to disassemble and move it to Silver Street. Peel have a community department that helps such projects, and we were delighted when they agreed.
“The reassemble will hopefully take place in May, June although costs for the reassemble have yet to be met!
"We aim to cover the standing raised terrace behind the dugouts, then most of the length of the opposite side. After that we shall see. It is a major steel structure that will transform the look of the ground, and is a very ambitious project”.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, manager Steve Nixon has put together a side that has been among the First Division promotion chasers right from the off, and with the club’s other teams all doing well in their respective leagues, Warren believes the playing side of the club has never been stronger.
"Our under 18's were promoted to Division One of the North West Youth Alliance league this season after a very strong campaign last year. Manchester FA's representative side played Northumberland FA recently, and we were proud to say that no fewer than eight of our players were selected to play for the side. It really shows the young talent we are developing at the Club.
“Our Under 21's continue to sit at the top of the Cheshire FA Premier League, currently 3 points clear of Southport FC in a really competitive league.
“The Club’s focus on the pitch lies with the first team, and currently in fifth spot with games in hand over most of the Clubs above them, manager Steve Nixon has assembled one of the best sides seen at Silver Street for some time.
"The Club placed its faith in the best young players the town had to offer, and they have had some tough times at this level of football.
“This season, these players are older and wiser and are repaying the manager’s trust in them with some excellent performances.
“The addition of some more mature players in the side for this campaign has helped the younger ones develop quickly, and promotion into the Premier League for next season is a goal that we all are committed to, this coming April.
“We have to be very confident of falling within the play off places but obviously our goal is for automatic promotion".
A Good Year For Irlam
Thu 17th December 2015 | Irlam
By Ian Templeman
As 2015 draws to a close, Irlam Secretary Warren Dodd says everyone at the club is upbeat about the progress made, both on and off the field, over the course of the year.
Extensive development work at the club’s Silver Street ground and good performances on the field sees the club in good shape moving into 2016, and as Warren explained, they intend to keep the momentum going as we move into 2016.
“It’s been a pretty amazing 18 months for the Club really, and to be honest we haven't had time to draw breath and reflect on what we've achieved”, said Warren.
“A complete overhaul of the first team pitch’s drainage system was one of the first major projects at the ground, allowing the pitch to remain in top condition throughout the season.
“During that process, our Clubhouse continued to rise up from the foundations, a process that was completed by June 2015 and made possible with the major support of the Hamilton Davies Trust.
“At the same time, the creation of a new car park surface completely transformed the approach to the ground, giving the Club and its surroundings a real professional look to it.
"Our new Clubhouse is really coming into its own, proving to be a perfect space for many different events, giving the Club vital revenue that will be invested back into the development of Silver Street”.
The latest development, renewal of the perimeter fencing at the rear of the ground was completed in November, with the club choosing a combination of wood and steel to give the ground a real natural look at the furthest point of the ground, and Warren is now putting in place a plan for the next piece of development at the ground.
“Another project that is quietly going on in the background is the moving of the golf driving range at Boysnope Park and re-siting it at the ground.
“This will provide extensive covered accommodation in areas not yet covered. The driving range was making way for Peel Holdings’ development of Port Salford, and the Golf club owners, John, Neville and Peter Stringer generously offered to gift it to the football club.
“We then approached Peel Holdings, asking if they would help us to disassemble and move it to Silver Street. Peel have a community department that helps such projects, and we were delighted when they agreed.
“The reassemble will hopefully take place in May, June although costs for the reassemble have yet to be met!
"We aim to cover the standing raised terrace behind the dugouts, then most of the length of the opposite side. After that we shall see. It is a major steel structure that will transform the look of the ground, and is a very ambitious project”.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, manager Steve Nixon has put together a side that has been among the First Division promotion chasers right from the off, and with the club’s other teams all doing well in their respective leagues, Warren believes the playing side of the club has never been stronger.
"Our under 18's were promoted to Division One of the North West Youth Alliance league this season after a very strong campaign last year. Manchester FA's representative side played Northumberland FA recently, and we were proud to say that no fewer than eight of our players were selected to play for the side. It really shows the young talent we are developing at the Club.
“Our Under 21's continue to sit at the top of the Cheshire FA Premier League, currently 3 points clear of Southport FC in a really competitive league.
“The Club’s focus on the pitch lies with the first team, and currently in fifth spot with games in hand over most of the Clubs above them, manager Steve Nixon has assembled one of the best sides seen at Silver Street for some time.
"The Club placed its faith in the best young players the town had to offer, and they have had some tough times at this level of football.
“This season, these players are older and wiser and are repaying the manager’s trust in them with some excellent performances.
“The addition of some more mature players in the side for this campaign has helped the younger ones develop quickly, and promotion into the Premier League for next season is a goal that we all are committed to, this coming April.
“We have to be very confident of falling within the play off places but obviously our goal is for automatic promotion".
