An Historic night - Redcar Athletic's first floodlit match at Green Lane

Finally, after a years painstaking work littered with setbacks, Redcar Athletic FC are set to embark on an historic night for the town of Redcar with the first floodlit football game to take place in the town.

Redcar Athletic will take on current Wearside League Leaders Stockton Town on Tuesday 26th February 2013 in what will be an enthralling passionate derby game between the two sides.

Kick off is 7.30pm at Green Lane, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 4NF.

Athletic have switched the game from its usual Wednesday night slot to avoid a clash with the big FA Cup game Boro v Chelsea in in the hope that this will draw a big crowd for the game.

The club would like to publically thank several people for the hard work and long hours they put in to ensure that the floodlights were ready they include Paul Wilson, John Neesam, Ian Best ,Chris Dryden, Vince Peel, Wayne Burkill and Manager Nicky Ward.

Entry for the game on Tuesday is £2 adults £1 concessions a programme will be available at £1 and snacks and hot/cold drinks will be available.

The club will now try and embark on attempting to provide covered standing and seating accomodation at the ground. This would ensure that the set up meets Northern League approval. However, funds are now strictly limited and the club is appealing to anybody out there individuals, sponsors, companies to come forward and offer their support.

We can offer several packages so anybody with football in Redcar in their hearts please get in touch we would be delighted to hear from you. The last 12 months have been very difficult and frustrating for the club. But with financial support a keen and enthusiastic bunch of volunteers, plus an ambitious committee, we can eventually put football in Redcar on the map.

The club are hoping Redcar residents will turn out on Tuesday night to enjoy the football and support our local team

Redcar and Cleveland Liberal Democrat Councillors call for a Council Tax freeze

Redcar and Cleveland Liberal Democrat Councillors are calling for a Council Tax freeze in response to the Labour controlled Council threatening to impose a 1.99% increase in what council taxpayers are being asked to pay.

Last year Labour raised Council Tax by 3.5%, the highest in the country.

This came despite the Government’s offer of £1.4 million to the Council if it had frozen its council tax in 2012-13.

This is the third time Labour bosses have refused the Government money to help keep Council Tax frozen. Since then, instead of spending all of this additional money on services, Labour has continued to waste taxpayers’ money on things like new furniture for the Mayor’s Parlour and alterations to the City Learning Centre.

The Council has also underspent in some areas. This proves they didn’t have to make local people pay such a massive increase last year, and as a result they should freeze the Council Tax this year.

The Government has offered councils the equivalent of a 1% Council Tax increase if they freeze Council Tax. Liberal Democrats say Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council should accept this offer which amounts to £585,000.

The Labour leadership can’t continually complain that the Council gets an unfair deal from government, then turn down Government money while hitting the pockets of local residents.

Councillor Glyn Nightingale, Lib Dem Group Leader, said:

"Labour in Redcar and Cleveland have shown that they are happy to waste Council Taxpayers money, whether it’s £1.5 million on a Vertical Pier that nobody wants, £37,600 on bird monitoring, and £125,000 doing up the Town Hall just before it was demolished.

"I am appalled at Labour's cynicism of keeping the Council Tax rise below 2% to avoid a public referendum.

"It is high time the Council’s Labour bosses started thinking about local residents."

Redcar Lib Dems demand more democracy on health

Liberal Democrats in the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland are urging the Labour controlled Council to make an influential new committee more democratic. 

The Labour Cabinet is proposing to give only three places out of 17 on the new Health and Wellbeing Board to elected members. All of these will be Labour Cabinet Members. The rest would go to senior officials from health organisations in the area. 

However, at a recent Council Scrutiny Board meeting, Lib Dem Group Leader Glyn Nightingale proposed that a majority of members be councillors, selected in proportion to their parties’ strengths on the Council. This received support from Conservative, Independent and Labour Councillors. 

Lib Dem Councillor Glyn Nightingale said: 

“Transfering the powers of unelected Primary Care Trusts to the Counci by the Coalition Government was major step in improving local democracy But now the Labour hierarchy l seems to want to replace one unelected body with another.

“This is a very important committee. It will be responsible for making sure the health of the public in our area is protected and improved. The quality of life for thousands of local people will depend on it doing its job well. That is why it is so important that the committee is democratic and accountable. 

“I am pleased that the Scrutiny Board has challenged the Labour Cabinet on this. I hope they will think again.”

Another Marske Labour Councillor resigns from Redcar and Cleveland Council's Labour Group

Losing one Councillor from St Germains Ward might be considered unlucky but losing two is just careless of the not listening Redcar and Cleveland Council Labour Group:

The following email was sent today to all Councillors from Councillor Sean Pryce:
Dear George and Labour Group members,

I have a duty to do what is right for the residents I represent. I stood as a councillor so that I can represent the views and wishes of residents. The Labour leadership of this council and certain cabinet members are repeatedly and consistently refusing to listen to the views of residents. This could not have been more clearly proven by the response to more than 99% of residents opposing a parking scheme. The council has no mandate to introduce such a parking scheme, and to propose and support spending a further £20,000, just so the council can justify raising revenue by parking charges, is possibly illegal, and if not is certainly immoral.

Residents are also tired of the annual rounds of council tax rises, when other councils that already have lower council tax rates are again freezing theirs.

From a personal point of view, as an ex serving police officer I had enjoyed my roles involving Cleveland Police, but the group saw fit to remove my involvement in favour of yourself and Councillor Goddard, when neither of you have a fraction of the knowledge of policing or policing issues. The fact that this was a paid role was not my concern.

Hence, I think that I can better represent the interests of residents by continuing my councillor duties in opposition to the Labour group and so resign from the Labour Group and from Labour Party membership herewith.

I hope that you can turn round what many interpret as an arrogant and “we know what's best for you” attitude from the leadership and some of the cabinet for the benefit of the council and our residents. No problems with anyone personally, just the unwillingness of some to listen to the residents they are supposed to represent.

Cllr Sean Pryce

Sean Pryce
Labour & Cooperative Councillor
St Germains Ward
Marske by the Sea

Lib Dem Group Leader Glyn Nightingale commented:

"Sean Pryce's resignation from the Labour Party is hardly surprising. This is yet another in a series of Labour defections and resignations since 2011. To lose three Cabinet members is serious. But to see its majority whittled away by defections is calamitous for Labour.

“The only two gains Labour made in Redcar in Council elections in 2011 have now been lost to defections.

“Labour continue to take their local dominance and power for granted.

They shamelessly ignore common sense, waste taxpayers' money and disregard what local people want.

They have rejected the Government's money to freeze Council Tax; squandered money on a vertical pier and £20,000 on a consultation that ignores a popular petition protesting against parking charges in Saltburn. It’s typical of their incompetence in running a multi-million pound organisation. Clearly, Cllr Pryce shares our view on these key issues.

“No wonder sensible people are still turning their backs on Labour, just as they did in 2010 when they turfed them out of government and elected the first Liberal Democrat MP, Ian Swales, in the Borough. Now, it seems they can’t even keep support within their own party."

ROAD WORKS WARNING FOR REDCAR

Motorists are being advised of potential disruption when a carriageway improvement scheme gets under way.

A six week programme of work on the A1085 Corporation Road / Locke Road / Mersey Road Junction begins on Monday 25th February. 

These planned changes were highlighted as part of the Tees Valley Bus Network improvement scheme which looks at ways of easing traffic congestion in the area. 

Works will include widening the junction to facilitate right turn movements for vehicles travelling from Corporation Road towards both Mersey Road and Locke Road.

The scheme also includes upgrading the existing traffic signals which will help to reduce delays for all road users and maximise capacity at the junction. Improved crossing facilities will be provided to assist both pedestrians and cyclists.

To ensure the safety of the public and workforce, Locke Road will be closed for the duration of the scheme and a diversion route will be clearly signposted. 

Lane closures at both Corporation Road and Mersey Road will also be in operation utilising three way temporary traffic signals. 

Survey seeks views on attracting shoppers and visitors to Redcar

Residents and visitors to Redcar are being asked for their views on the market, seafront attractions and concessions as well as events and festivals in the town as part of a drive to attract more shoppers and visitors.

A consultation process is under way seeking views on:

*       relocation of the market to the precinct area near the Town Clock

*       moving the market day from a Wednesday to a Friday

*       events and festivals to create a vibrant town centre

*       business opportunities for seafront attractions and concessions.

To comment on the proposals:

*       complete an on-line questionnaire by visiting: 

*       email 

*       telephone 01642 495359

*       write to: Regeneration Services, Redcar & Cleveland Council, Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, Yorkshire, TS10 1RT.

The deadline for comments to be submitted is Monday 14 January 2013.

Redcar Lib Dems campaign for recognition of local hero

Liberal Democrats in Zetland Ward are campaigning to get a plaque erected in a local park to honour a local hero - Redcar's Sir Rex Hunt.

Born in the town's Laburnum Road in 1921, Rex Hunt joined the RAF near the end of World War Two flying spitfires in India. After serving his country in Uganda, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Vietnam, he found fame as Governor of the Falkland Islands during the 1982 Argentinian invasion and the war that followed.

He was knighted in 1982 and continued as Governor after the war until 1985. He later returned to the north-east, living near Stockton until his death on November 11th 2012.

Local Councillor Ron Harrison said:

"Rex Hunt's service to Britain over a period of more than 40 years including WW2 & the Falklands War, during which he displayed cool diplomatic skill and great courage before being taken prisoner, make him one of Redcar's heroes."

"Now that he is gone, we are determined that his name will live on in his home town. We are therefore looking to get some sort of plaque or other memorial built in one of Zetland Ward’s parks in his honour."

Councillor Josh Mason added:

“It’s really important that we remember those who have contributed to Redcar’s rich history and culture. And provide a lasting monument to local heroes, past and present.”

Redcar's refurbished groynes will be restored to their original height

Here is the reply I got in response to my question about the height of the refurbished groynes shown in the above photograph taken and originally posted on Facebook by Philip Chisholm.

Dear Cllr Abbott

Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your enquiry.

Mark Hopgood, Team Leader Technical Projects has received the following response from Steve Dunning:

The groynes at the Stray had ceased to retain sand effectively due to the missing groyne boards and piles. The accepted scientific method states that for groynes to retain sand they should be no higher than 500mm above up drift sand levels, any higher than this and they cause scour which reduces sand levels. Incidentally this is the same method that was used when the groynes were installed in the 1960's

In line with this all groynes are to have the boards and piles repaired to fill in any gaps, and are to be reduced in height to 500mm, or 2 groyne boards, above up drift sand levels. The sand levels will be monitored and, as and when the sand returns, the boards will be gradually built back up to their full height.

The excess boards are being taken to a secure storage area and any extra boards will be sourced through the EA timber procurement framework.

Funding for the work is in place as part of the Redcar Flood Alleviation Scheme and will be made available to the Council as needed

Mark Hopgood

Team Leader Capital Projects Team

GFH Capital have at last signed a deal for Leeds United but want Ken Bates to stay on as President

I recognise that Ken Bates played an important role in saving Leeds United and has given the club a solid foundation. In other ways, however, he has been a public relations disaster and would, in my opinion, make a totally unsuitable club President.

You only have to read his comments reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post to see that he would be a nightmare as President. The club has just announced that GFH Capital have signed a deal for the club and all he can contribute is a rant about liars, chancers and conmen.

The club President should be a local figurehead that has the respect and approval of the supporters. I was hoping the chants of "Bates out" would now end but it looks like they are set to continue indefinitely.

Mr Bates will, in fact, remain as Chairman until the end of the season and then become club President.

Lib Dem launches Middlesbrough jobs plan

Urgent action is needed to turn around Middlesbrough's jobs crisis, according a local employment expert.

Launching his official 'jobs plan' for the town today, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate George Selmer said Middlesbrough had been neglected by Labour for decades and needed a strong voice representing the area in Westminster.

Speaking outside the Corporation Road Jobcentre, where he and Ian Swales MP met local jobseekers, George said:

"Unemployment in Middlesbrough is among the highest in the country. The town needs an MP who can turn that around.

"For too long, Labour have been happy to accept second best for this area. Their neglect and complacency is shocking.

"I've spent my career getting unemployed people back to work. I know how to fix Middlesbrough's jobs problem.

"You only have to look next door to see the positive 


George Selmer works to help unemployed people back to work

impact a Lib Dem MP can make. While youth unemployment is rising in Middlesbrough, it has fallen by 6% in Redcar." 

Redcar MP Ian Swales added,

"While Labour are still pining over the loss of One North East - a Tynside-focused quango that consistently overlooked Teesside - George is concentrating on the solutions that will help people here in Middlesbrough.

"That means a focus on apprenticeships, and securing Regional Growth Funding for local businesses. "It means banging the drum for Teesside in Westminster to help attract new jobs and encourage existing firms to expand.

"Tackling unemployment is the number one challenge facing Middlesbrough's next MP. Local voters should back the man with a plan."

I voted against Rex Hunt's request for Whitby to twin with Port Stanley

A reference in the Evening Gazette today about reporter Mike Morgan's telephone conversation with Sir Rex Hunt shortly before the 1982 Argentinian invasion of the Falklands brought back memories of my own involvement in what I think were the events which led to Mike Morgan making the call.

Mike (pictured right) was then a reporter on the Whitby Gazette and I was a member of Whitby Town Council.

I think Mike was prompted to make the call to His Excellency Mr Rex Hunt, the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Falkland Islands and dependencies in response to a letter Mr Hunt (who had yet to be knighted) had sent to Whitby Town Council expressing his concern about the Tory Government's cost cutting measure to remove the British warship that was protecting the islands. He suggested a town twinning arrangement between Whitby and Falkland Islands capital Port Stanley due to the fact that both towns had whale bone arches. He felt it would help to maintain links with Great Britain.

All the members of the Town Council were delighted to form a twinning arrangement with Port Stanley except for me. I felt it was a pointless exercise as it was so far away and it was not possible for exchange visits to take place. 

The twinning arrangement went ahead and a ceremony took place in the Pannett Art Gallery in Whitby in August 1981. I am pretty sure that Rex Hunt himself actually attended this. Whitby Town Council could always do a good ceremony and the food was always nice.

Little did I know that some months after voting against the twinning arrangement Argentina would invade the Falklands, Rex Hunt would become a hero and pictures of the sign Port Stanley twinned with Whitby would be seen all over the world.

The decision to twin with Port Stanley turned out to be a very astute decision indeed and one that I got wrong. It did as Sir Rex Hunt said it would. It helped to strengthen the links between Great Britain and the Falkland Islands.

Whitby went on to twin with a number of faraway towns which had links with Captain Cook:

Anchorage, Alaska, USA 
Cooktown, Australia 
East Fremantle, Australia 
Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii, USA 
Nuku’alofa, Tonga 
Porirua, Whitby, New Zealand 
Port Stanley, Falkland Islands 
West Wylong, Australia 
Whitby, Ontario, Canada 
Whitilanga, New Zealand 

I remember one Town Councillor piping up in support of twinning with Nuku'alofa: "The Queen of Tonga looked so lovely at the Coronation in 1953." 

I wanted the town to twin with a European town where exchange visits could take place. An editorial in the Whitby Gazette actually supported this too. I still think the town should have gone in for a different type of arrangement with these places so that those who like meeting people could enjoy the benefits that town twinning brings. It became quite a curiosity that Whitby was twinned with such faraway places and that in itself has earned the town a lot of publicity. 

Sir Rex Hunt who was born in Redcar and attended Sir William Turner's School, flew Spitfires in the RAF before a career in the diplomatic service. He retired as Governor of the Falkland Islands in 1985 and settled in Stockton, where he died aged 86.

Lib Dems demand answers on BMX track at Eston

Liberal Democrats in the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland are asking when the problems with the BMX track at Eston will be dealt with.

The track has cost £90,000 to build but has had to be repaired four times already due to subsidence.

The Director of Biketrack (specialist track designers) has said that parts of the course are so dangerous they need demolishing altogether.

Liberal Democrat Leisure Spokesman, Cllr Josh Mason (pictured), questioned the Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Tourism.

Cllr Mason said:

“A BMX track is a great facility for young people.

“But I am very concerned it cannot be used due to design problems.

“Local people have a right to know why the Council has handled this so badly, and why they turned down free expert advice from specialist architects.

“This is another example of the Labour Council not getting the basics right, and wasting public money in the process."

Bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA

Over the years I have heard some excellent football songs but this new one by Mark Duffy Music is the best topical football song I have ever heard. 

Click here to hear the song. 

The song is about Leeds chairman Ken Bates and the impatience of fans waiting for him to sell up and clear off, which might in fact happen quite soon now. Rumours have it that the parties are gathered in Monacco to finally complete the sale to Dubai-based GFH Capital.  I just hope the chorus takes off at Elland Road later today when we face Southampton in the Capital One Cup.

Here are the words:

A long long time ago I can still remember how the football used to make me smile. 
And I knew if we had some luck we would soon be going up.

Maybe we‘d be happy for a while.

But the transfer window makes me shudder.

For Christ sake please don’t sell another.

Bad news on the website,

I can’t take no more shite.

I can’t remember if I cried when Norwich said your Captain’s signed.

Something touched me deep inside, it’s time to wave goodbye

Bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA*, there’s a tear in my eye, I’m sick and tired of you telling lies, it’s time for you to swallow your pride, time for you to wave goodbye.

Did you write the programme notes and have a go at us moron folks?

Did your conscience prick at all?

Do you believe in what you say?

Do loan deals really save the day?

Can you teach me how that cash really flows?

Well someone must be dipping in. There’s nothing in our transfer tin.

We just don’t like to lose. Man we’ve got those TOMA blues.

We used to be a top flight team and we were held in high esteem,

But we won’t let you kill our dream. It’s time to wave goodbye.

Bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA, there’s a tear in my eye, I’m sick and tired of you telling lies, it’s time for you to swallow your pride, time for you to wave goodbye.

For nearly eight years you have owned, our club, our hearts, and our collective souls.

But that’s not how it’s going to be.

Well LUST try hard to keep in touch but even they can’t take too much.

At least they keep their dignity.

So is the deal still going through? Please tell the truth I beg of you.

We just want brand new owners. So sign those papers won’t you?

While smaller clubs were going up we were losing in the Johnstone’s Cup.

It’s time to go so please sell up. It’s time to wave goodbye.

You’ve got me singing bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA, there’s a tear in my eye, I’m sick and tired of you telling lies, it’s time for you to swallow your pride, time for you to wave goodbye.

Oh bye, bye Mr Chairman goodbye I’m in a coma with this TOMA, there’s a tear in my eye, I’m sick and tired of you telling lies, it’s time for you to swallow your pride, time for you to wave goodbye.

*TOMA stands for Take Over My Ar*e.

The Closes redevelopment update

Coast and Country Housing have issued the following update on the Closes redevelopment:

October 2012

Dear Resident

We would like to update you on our progress to redevelop The Closes estate.

We have been working hard to ensure that the empty properties are stripped internally, utilities are disconnected and gardens are cleared. Your safety, the cleanliness of the estate and the welfare of the residents waiting to be relocated is our priority In Spring we strengthened the site based regeneration team and we are already seeing a positive impact from the additional caretakers on the estate.

Also we have listened and acted upon feedback from local ward councillors, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cleveland Police, and other stakeholders to ensure that any concerns are being addressed.

We will be working with a contractor to start the demolition of Phase 1 over the next few months. Phase 1 includes the following addresses:

• Kent Close (1-16, 52-67)
• Mersey Road (133-191 odds)
• Roseberry Road (84 – 106 evens)
• The Meadows (1-32)

Who do I contact if I have an enquiry?

 If you are a Coast and Country Tenant:
 Gail Atkinson 01642 837226 gail_atkinson@cchousing.org.uk
Steph Pew /Angela Blake 01642 771336 steph_pew@cchousing.org.uk or angela_blake@cchousing.org.uk.  

If you are an owner occupier, private landlord or private tenant: Ben Briggs 01642 771377 ben_briggs@cchousing.org.uk

FA lets Dave Jones off with a caution - well what do you expect - we are Leeds

The Football Association has replied to my complaint about Dave Jones's slanderous remarks accusing Leeds fans in general of being "vile animals." It appears that Jones has been spoken to and let off with some words of advice and a caution:

Dear Mr Abbott,

Thank you for contacting The Football Association.

Sheffield Wednesday Manager, Dave Jones, has been reminded of his responsibilities and advised to exercise caution and warned that any further comments could result in disciplinary action.

We do appreciate all of the feedback we receive from supporters. This feedback is collated and used to build a picture of public opinion and is subsequently fed back internally within the organisation. Please rest assured your comments will form part of this feedback process.

Kind regards,

Adele 

Adele Sannie-Lamptey| Customer Relations

Communications Division

At least it is something I suppose, after all we are Leeds and can't expect much help form anyone outside the club.

Redcar Athletic Fundraising Campaign

To try and raise funds to pay for the final  works on the Floodlights and for additional work around the ground, Redcar Athletic's Wearside League team has organised a series of events starting with -

Saturday 3rd November
Halloween Party at the club
Tickets £2 
Fancy Dress with prizes
Raffle

Saturday 17th Nov 2012

Ladies only Pamper Night at the club

A Special night for ladies only

Eyebrows Tinting/ Waxing/ Shaping Lashes etc

Also Party Lite candles for sale

Free entry,

Raffle

Drinks available

Saturday  Dec 1st 2012

Race Nite

1st Race 8pm

£2 a ticket

Horse owners required £2 a horse

Race sponsors required £20

Saturday December 22nd 2012

Redcar Athletic Xmas Party

New Marske Institute Club

7.30pm

Featuring Showband

ALPHAPLACE

Tickets £5

This is what happened at Hillsborough on Friday line by line

This is my view of what happened at the Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United game at Hillsborough on Friday line by line: 

I make no judgements but I do wish to show that the behaviour of a minority of SWFC fans was just as bad as that of a minority of LUFC fans.

The Leeds fans were situated in the Leppings Lane end and I attended with my 8 years old grandson, Daniel. The picture right shows the view we had.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 (Bothroyd 43), LEEDS 1 (Tonge 76)

Sheffield Wednesday: Kirkland, Buxton, Gardner, Corry (Mayor 84) Llera, Semedo, Antonio, Jones,Barkley, O'Grady (Madine 84), Bothroyd. Subs: Bywater, Taylor, Pecnik, Johnson, Rodri

Leeds: Kenny, Peltier (Varney 68), Lees, Pearce, White, Austin (Norris 46), Brown,Tonge, Byram,Becchio, Diouf. Subs: Ashdown, Drury, Green, Gray, Hall

Referee:  E Ilderton

Booked: Jones, Gardner (Weds)

KO 7.45. Att: 28,582 (5,300 Leeds)

Up until the SWFC started abusing Leeds Manager Neil Warnock the LUFC fans were quite happy chanting the usual "we are Leeds," and singing MOT. 

There was a prearranged marathon burst of WACCOE which started on 15 minutes. 

About 1000 SWFC fans sang Warnock is a “w*****. 

About 1000 LUFC fans responded with Dave Jones is a “p*********,” 

About 1000 SWFC fans, referring to Jimmy Saville coming from Leeds, began chanting "Leeds is a town full of paedophiles."

About 1000 LUFC fans, as they always do in response to “dirty Leeds” and "your not famous anymore" responded louder and began to sing in praise of Jimmy Saville.

My grandson Daniel (8), who was at the match with me, 

then said to me 'who's Jimmy Saville? He thought he was a new signing. 

About 1000 SWFC fans sang: “Always look out for Turks carrying knifes dudududud etc” 

(This is a reference to Leeds fans Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight murdered in Turkey).

All 5300 LUFC fans booed and jeered. The noise nearly took the roof off.

A handful of both SWFC and LUFC fans threw coins and plastic coke bottles.

One or more LUFC fans tore an advertising hoarding down 

Half a dozen fans, including Aaron Cawley, the one who pushed the goalie, ran on the pitch as Leeds scored.

Within five minutes of the incident a number of LUFC fans publicly identified Cawley on Twitter using the #LUFC hashtag.

Of course Daniel and I see the goalie laid out and ask each other what had happened. We were too busy celebrating the goal.

In 2010 SWFC fans ran on the pitch and attacked Crystal Palace’s Clint Hill, who took several punches, at the end of a match with Crystal Palace. Palace manager at the time was Neil Warnock.

Neil Warnock is reviled by SWFC fans as he was a long serving Sheffield United manager.

I can’t find what punishment SWFC got if any, after the FA inquiry, but I would wager that LUFC will get pasted again by the FA. Clearly SWFC where just as much to blame.

Complaint sent to Football Association

Copy of a letter sent today to the FA, LUFC and SWFC:

Dear FA,

I write to complain in the strongest possible terms about the slanderous remarks made by the Sheffield Wednesday Manager, Dave Jones, in an interview following the match with Leeds United at Hillsborough on Friday 19th October 2012.

I attended the match with my 8 years old grandson Daniel Abbott and we watched the game from the Leppings Lane end with around 5300 other Leeds United supporters. I enclose a photograph of Daniel applauding the players, at the end of the match, who in turn were applauding us. It is part of the match day experience/ritual that Daniel enjoys. Imagine our surprise, when we heard on the car radio on the way home, Dave Jones criticising the Leeds Manager, Neil Warnock, for encouraging his players to applaud the Leeds fans. In doing so he clearly said the Leeds fans were “vile animals” in such a way that it can only be construed that he meant all Leeds fans. We did nothing to warrant such a smear and take strong exception to it.

This is clearly actionable and it surely brings the game into disrepute. Daniel and I live in Redcar and many of his school friends are Middlesbrough supporters. I do not want him to be taunted by this smear and I call on the Football Association to take action to ensure that Mr Jones withdraws his remarks about Leeds United fans in general and apologises without delay.

Yours sincerely
Chris Abbott

Dave Jones should apologise for his slanderous comments about Leeds fans

Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones should apologise for his slanderous comments about Leeds fans at Sheffield Wednesday last night or face a charge of bringing the game into disrepute. No Leeds fan is excusing what one mindless idiot did but my grandson Daniel (8) applauding the players after the match is not a vile animal as Jones would have us believe.

After the match at Sheffield Wednesday last night Daniel and I stopped for a minute to pay our respects to the Hillsborough 96.

Why are we called anything but Redcar?

I cannot believe the stupidity of calling the new health centre in Redcar the Langbaurgh NHS Medical Centre. It just does not make sense. What on earth possessed them to call it Langbaurgh?

Have they no better imagination than to name it after the silly title given to the local Council that was abolished in 1996? Since 1968 there have been eight names for local government in Redcar:

Redcar Borough Council
North Riding County Council
Teesside County Borough
Cleveland County Council
Langbaurgh District Council
Langbaurgh Borough Council
Langbaurgh on Tees Borough Council
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council

Each time other organisations named themselves after the name of the Council and we were referred to as the people of the Council name. Not the people of Redcar. We are whatever name is dreamt up for the local Council and some damn silly ones there have been.

Not long before the abolition of Langbaurgh Council, it was decided to add the words "on Tees" because a Councillor had gone to a conference and had been asked if Langbaurgh was somewhere in Wales.

In addition, depending on the vested interest of whoever it is saying it, we are also referred to as the people of Teesside, Tees Valley, East Cleveland, Cleveland or even the north east, anything but Redcar.

As far as I am concerned we are Redcar, Yorkshire and I accept nothing else. 

It is so bad that major towns like Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar are only signposted when you arrive at the town. We are all lumped together as Teesside. This is because the Highways Agency have not changed their signing policy since Teesside County Borough was in existence. It was abolished in 1974. Small towns like Thirsk, Northallerton and Wetherby are well signposted but not Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar. About 15 years ago they promised to add these towns to road signs on the A19 as and when the existing signs are replaced but have not kept that promise.