Club hero John Maguire cycles 100 miles for Squires Gate

John Maguire (front right) earned the praise and thanks of all at Squirs Gate FC for his 100-mile cycling feat

The club secretary - who has served the Blackpool non-league club for 30 years in many capacities from player to chairman - completed a 100-mile bike ride on Monday to boost club funds.

The ride took John from Cleator Moor Celtic FC in Cumbria - Squires Gate’s most northerly fellow club in the North West Counties League - to Gate’s Brian Addison Stadium in Marton.

John’s aim is to raise £1,500 via a page on the www.gofundme.com website to help the NWCL premier division club through these difficult times as the wait goes on for a return to competitive match action.

Maguire said: “I am doing this ride in order to help the club as we have been hugely affected by the pandemic but at the same time we have aspirations to improve the club off the pitch, which has been badly needed for years.

“I just see this as doing my bit and hopefully friends and old managers, team-mates and fans can chuck me whatever they can spare to help me hit my target.”

Gate manager Luke Evans said: “This is Magsy all over. He just jumps on his bike and does a 100-mile ride for the club. All he ever does is put everyone else first.

“He is an amazing guy and never misses a training session or game. The lads love him and we would not be the club we are without him. He is a legend in everyone’s eyes at the club.

“A club like Squires Gate would not be able to run without people like John and all the rest of the volunteers who do so much behind the scenes.”

More than £1,000 had been raised by last night and donations arer still welcome HERE.