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Hyland signs for Skem!

Wednesday 10th March 2004. Drew Hyland has signed for Skem on a loan arrangement from Burscough until the end of the season. His contract with Burscough has been mutually terminated. Drew Hyland - A centre forward made first team debut for Burscough in October 2002 against St Helens Town in the Liverpool Senior Cup.  He made rapid progress after scoring heavily for the club’s Youth side and County youth team.  However this season he's only started in 6 games for the Linnets and appears to be out of Derek Goulding's plans. Thursday 26th February 2004. The following article has been taken from the Witton Albion Website: The Arbitration Tribunal which heard the Isthmian League's challenge to the restructuring of the National League System today announced that it has unanimously dismissed their claims. The Tribunal was made up of three very senior legal figures, including former senior law lord Lord Browne-Wilkinson. "The FA is of course pleased that our decision and processes have been upheld by the Tribunal. However, the most important point is that we, together with the Alliance partners, can now look to the future and get on with the vital reorganisation of football at this level", Nic Coward, The FA's Director of Corporate and Legal Affairs told us. The FA believes the new system will raise standards, create more excitement through play-offs, and deliver more consistent rules, regulations and ground grading requirements. A key principle has been to ensure that the National League System will be fair and equitable for clubs irrespective of their geographic position in the country. Uppermost in The FA's decision-making and consultation throughout this process was that change should not take place for change’s sake, but only if it would bring long-term benefits for the game. At a meeting in May 2003 the Football Conference and the Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues’ 'Alliance' agreed to recommend to the National League System Committee a new structure and a timetable to achieve it. This proposal includes the following key features:- - 22 clubs per league - Play-offs at each step down to step 4 - Better linkages throughout the league structure - A semi-national step between the Conference and step 3 - Remove leagues within a league - Deliver more consistent rules, regulations, ground grading and promotion/relegation through play-offs This structure was considered by the National League System Committee at their meeting on 9th May 2003 and approved by The FA Council at its Summer Meeting on 21st June 2003. It will now be implemented with effect from the start of season 2004-05." So it would appear that the restructuring is going to commence afterall regardless of the tight schedule that certain League's & their members will now face! Stuart Rudd scored his 150th goal for Skelmersdale against Salford City on Saturday 14th Feb 2004, achieving that target in an amazing stretch of only 205 games. Feb 2004. Ramsbottom United have been ordered to replay their League Challenge Cup Quarter Final game against Gt Harwood Town, having fielded an ineligible player. Goalkeeper Graham Bennett was drafted in on loan from Bamber Bridge, but apparently because he plays in a higher division, he was not allowed to play for the Rams at such a short notice. Meanwhile, Harwood manager, John Hughes, thinks the Rams should now be kicked out of the competition all together because they broke the rules.  Which raises the question once again; why weren't Skem allowed to replay their game against Castleton Gabriels in the same cup competition back in November 2001?  If you remember that far back we fielded Brian Hatton, when an honest mis-understanding of the seven day ruling occured.  It seems the League should review the rule once again.  With Mossley given the chance of recouping 3 points for fielding an ineligible player in the League and this latest debacle, the only rule that should surely apply is that if you field an ineligible player, the points or the tie should be given to the opponents, as well as any mandatory fine or loss of points. David Barton has left Skelmersdale United for Prescot Cables, following his failure to command a regular first team spot.  Our best wishes for the future go to him. No signings as of yet on the Burscough front, but on the Skelmersdale United front reports are coming through that former Mexican Superstar Diego Enchilada will be joining United in the coming weeks.  Diego suffered a horrific broken leg in 2002 as a result of a freak kitchen accident and was eventually forced out of the professional game.  He's since been promoted to England as the new Marketing Manager for sports company Legpul UK.  Manager Paul Gallagher, said of the potential star, 'Enchilada looks like a very tasty player! Wednesday 21st January 2004. Burscough report that they "have made an audacious attempt to try and entice former Liverpool and England striker Stan Collymore out of retirement. Press Liaison Officer Stan Strickland said, "We have backers who are prepared to put together an attractive package to try and bring a high profile player to the club who will fit in with manager Derek Goulding's plans to strengthen the squad, attract publicity, and hopefully generate more revenue for the club through the turnstiles. On Friday I... had a lengthy telephone conversation with the player's agent, Simon Kennedy. He has agreed to put our proposals to Collymore and asked us to submit them in writing, which we have now done... Mr. Kennedy is trying to convince him that he might come to regret stopping playing at 32 while we have put forward the case that part-time football might fit in better with his media commitments". Collymore has previous non-league experience at Stafford Rangers. Hot on the heels of the Stan Collymore story, Burscough have also reported offering a substantial 4 figure sum for a leading First Division Unibond goalscorer.  Things appear to be on the up for the club after months of in-fighting and departures.  Their latest recruitment is Chris Lloyd a local businessman, who is prepared to inject a substantial amount of cash , in order to get the club back on an even keel. Former Skem United goalkeeper Joe Palidino has took up the position of Director of Football at his former club St Helens.  Joe has also offered to inject a substantial amount of cash along with his business partner.  Paul Lodge has now been replaced by Mark Cox as the new Manager.  This all comes shortly after they announced, along with Fleetwood that they had withdrawn their application to join the Unibond for next seasons proposed re-shuffle. Former United loan player Stuart Wright has left Vauxhall. for Altrincham.  Wright only made 6 appearances for Utd before being recalled to the Vauxhall squad. Tuesday 20th January 2004. Kevin Leadbetter returned to Southport just in time to line up against Blyth Spartans at the weekend.  Kevin was originally transfered from Skem to Southport  for a fee of £3,000 at the end of the 2000/01 season.  However, it soon became clear that he didn't figure in the plans of then Manager, Phil Wilson.  Eventually after being farmed out on loan to Hyde then Runcorn, he was soon signed for Runcorn after impressing Liam Watson.  Watson succeeded Mike Walsh as Manager of Southport earlier on this season, and from then on there was much speculation about Kevin returning to Southport.  A two and a half year deal was agreed last Thursday.  Once again everyone at Skelmersdale wishes Kevin all the best for the future. Although it is to be confirmed yet by the NWCFL, Mossley have been been deducted 6 points and ordered to replay their game against Glossop North End.  Mossley fielded an ineligible player, namely Mark Bradshaw in their December 27th fixture in which they beat Glossop 2-0.  Bradshaw's registration failed to reach League Headquarters prior to the deadline, because of a delay in Christmas post.  According to rule 37 the League Committee can decide under its own discretion to replay the game, which they have decided in this case; effectively giving Mossley the chance to halve their punishment.  Rather bizarrely Atherton Collieries have played keeper, Seb Rowe 18 times in goal this season without realising that he needed international clearance.  If the same rule applies to them they be deducted 54 points.  Coll's currently plumb bottom of the 1st Division with only 17 points, will be hoping that they aren't called upon to replay all those game! Work on the new stadium is still going ahead, but given the fact that the weather has been quite appalling lately, progress has been slow.  Nevertheless, we are led to believe that the March 31st deadline is still the target! Congratulations must go to Colne from the 2nd Division of the NWCFL following their 2-1 victory over FA Vase favourites AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow in front of a partizan 3,215 crowd.  Colne have been drawn at home to Western League outfit Bitton in the 5th Round for their efforts...best of luck to them!  Congleton & Stone also followed them into the the next round. December 2003. Stuart Rudd's Christmas shopping trip injury isn't as bad as first thought, at best he may return within the fortnight, but the most likely return date will be January.  Manager, Paul Gallagher is obviously keen to get Stuart back in the team as soon as possible, but he won't be rushing him back in fear of putting him out of action for a longer period.  Rudd chipped his ankle bone whilst negotiating a slippy Debenham's staircase and has missed the last two games against Ramsbottom & Alsager.  The eagerly anticipated Liverpool Senior Cup Tie against Burscough, with Rudd keen to prove a point, will have to wait another day...unless there's a postponement!  Meanwhile Lee Thompson signed from Abbey Hey will fill Rudd's boots. Mike Marsh who made his debut against Ramsbottom last week, has decided to get some more training in before he returns to the fold.  Marsh hadn't played any serious football since winning the Unibond Premeirship with Accrington Stanley last season prior to his United debut, and feels as though he needs to spend a bit more time in the gym.  He could be back as soon as the Fleetwood game, but is aiming to return for the Burscough match on Tue Dec 16th. John Brownrigg (ankle) & Lee Thompson (dead leg) are expected to return for the game against Fleetwood, having both picked up injuries against Alsager Town.  The big news of course is the signing of former Liverpool Midfielder Mike Marsh.  Mike (pictured above) was briefly Manager of our current Landlords Burscough at the beginning of the season, and prior to that he lifted the Unibond Premiership Title with Accrington Stanley last season. Steve Rimmer has been recalled to Marine following his month's stay with United, although it is hoped that he may return at a later date. My latest news is a bit outdated due to technical difficulties, but still I would like to confirm that Gareth Evans has indeed signed for Witton Albion.  Evans made his debut against Gateshead at Wincham Park as a substitute in their 2-0 defeat.  The club wishes him the best of luck for the future.  Neil 'Jocky' Hanson has also left the club due to work committments.  Jocky was Paul's 1st signing at the club, and had been an influential player during his brief spell with the club.  We wish him the best of luck for the future as well.   Martin Gwinnett is probably the quickest player to sign and transfer from Skem in its 121-year-history.  Having signed from Congleton one day, he returned to Congleton the following day, having never played a game for us!  Best of luck to him…whoever he was!  Gary McBride has indeed returned to Skelmersdale United but won’t be playing for us for the time being.  Apparently his career in the police force and working Friday & Saturday nights up kebab alley have taken their toll on ‘Gary the Giant’ and he’s currently working the extra pounds off!  Stuart Rudd’s hat trick on Tuesday night was his fifth of the season, and overall Rudd has scored 27 goals in 27 outings.  Brent Peters the Bacup Borough Manager has been busy strengthening his squad with a trio of signings.  Gareth Thomas & Phil Baylis both from Unibond 1st Division outfit Chorley, plus ex Stand Athletic defender Warren Gallagher signed ahead of their recent 4-3 victory over Abbey Hey.  With Peter’s promising more to come!  Following the resignation of Salford’s manager Chris Wilcock, the club have quickly appointed Mark Molyneaux as thei new Manager.  The former Chorley & Trafford boss has responded by strengthening the squad.  Ben Chatburn, Ross Harford, Mark Rebbeck and Lee Southwood have all joined the club.  Meanwhile former Accrington Stanley & Rossendale United striker David Gray has been released by the club at his own request, having only played once for Salford in their recent 2-1 defeat against Warrington.