» News Archive 6

Rivals back Town's charity campaign

Barrow Border Raiders are backing Town's year-long campaign to raise cash for the Cumbria Palsy Society.

The teams will be leading a bucket collection when they meet on New Year's Eve. Barrow players may also help out on fundraising events throughout the year.

Town decided to support the county's cerebral palsy sufferers after hearing the story of five-year-old fan Robert Errington of Northside.

Cumbria has around 600 people with cerebral palsy, with the highest number of the living in West Cumbria.

Facilities in the county include a residential home and three professional support workers.

New Academy Coach named

Martin Oglanby has been appointed Academy coach after being personally recommended by Gary Murdock.

Town were looking for a new man to take over the Academy side after last year's coach Paul Penrice moved up to take charge of the club's Alliance team.

Four well respected local coaches were all considered but Murdock said he wanted Oglanby, who this week agreed to take charge for the forthcoming season.

Oglanby is one of the most respected coaches working in the Cumberland League and is no stranger to Town. Martin was an outstanding amateur player and a BARLA Great Britain international who eventually signed for Town in 1990 and was to play 87 times, with another 20 appearances as substitute, before a serious shoulder injury put paid to his professional career in 1995. In that time he scored 18 tries for the club.

Oglanby had earlier this year taken over as coach at Glasson and having watched his coaching techniques, Gary Murdock knew he was the right man.

"He was my first choice so I am delighted that he has signed and that the board backed me," he said.

"I watched him training and he was very organised and professional. At this level you need respect and he definitely has that."

Mike Cunningham added "He was our first choice and I know he will do a good job."