Squires Gate FC rebooted with new men at helm

Since Stuart Hopwood stepped down at the back end of last season after a decade as chairman, the Marton-based club conducted a thorough recruitment drive to bring in not only a replacement but a whole new committee.

An 11-man committee has been established to push the Hallmark Security League premier division club forward.

The role of chairman will be shared between current club secretary John Maguire and comedian, agent and producer Tony Jo.

John has been running the club on a temporary basis and is to continue his role.

Tony is a familiar figure on the Blackpool comedy circuit and runs HRH Entertainments.

A favourite on the after-dinner circuit, Tony also dedicates alot of his time to local and national charities and his efforts have been recognised with a Variety Club award.

Welcoming Tony (below) to the School Road club was the new committee, which was formed a month ago and comprises Maguire, Mark Ashmore, Brian Addison, Colin Smith, Marc Sumner, Steve Bellamy, Carl Townson, Chris Chadwick, Spencer Leader and Nick Grindley.

Club stalwart and much-respected groundsman Addison has been voted on to the committee as club president.

A club spokesman said: “Brian does a tireless amount of work for the club and deserves bigger recognition when going to away grounds than ‘groundsman’.

“The club can’t think of a better title for the man who sums up Squires Gate Football Club.”

Also joining the committee are Ashmore, who serves as treasurer and reports on the club’s activities for The Gazette, and Sumner, who has been appointed commercial manager.

Marc has been hard at work over the summer working on the club’s ties with local businesses.

Any Blackpool businesses interested in getting involved with the club in any capacity are involved to contact Marc on 07730 217747 or email [email protected].

Squires Gate went out of the FA Cup to Ashton Athletic last weekend and will begin their premier division campaign away to Hanley Town this Saturday.