A new era is beginning at Louth Town following the apointment of Ron Atkinson as Vice President and Bernard Bale as Club Development Consultant.
Bernard, a former Fleet Street journalist and BBC broadcaster, has been associated locally with the Jungle Zoo at Cleethorpes but he is also well-known outside the area for his work with visitor attractions both in the UK and overseas.
In the p
ast he has helped Aberdeen Football Club, Hull City, Livingston FC, West Ham United, Real Mallorca, Everton and even Manchester United.
In the 1980s he held the commercial fort at Grimsby Town for a short period while the club was going through one of its most turbulent times.
"I have joined forces with Louth because the club is going places, has great spirit both on and off the pitch and, quite frankly, is a breath of fresh air in today's rather stale football world.
"I was impressed with the style of play when I saw the team in action and, laugh if you will, there is a date in the club diary of August 2017. That is the date for Louth Town's debut in the Football League."
Between now and then it is hoped the club will have a new stadium which will serve the community in various ways as well as the club itself.
A phone call from Bale found Ron Atkinson on a golf course in Tenerife about to putt. He held off his shot to willingly accept the invitation to join as Vice President and has promised to visit the football club during the early part of the new season.
In addition, Louth Town is to have a club shop in the centre of town. As well as selling club merchandise and other football souvenirs, it will also provide an information point and ticket booking facility. The football club is also currently researching an opportunity for its own radio station as well as scheduling a number of exciting events during the coming year.
"The focal point though will always be the football," said Bernard.
"That is the most exciting part of the whole thing. Louth Town has one of the most talented coaches outside the Football League and has brought together a squad which plays quality football."
Atkinson said: "I can remember when we played the old Louth club in a cup match some years ago and we won 8-0. I bet that wouldn't happen now, no matter who Louth Town play."
"I love ambition and I have been kept informed of the White Wolves progress since they started just a few years ago. It is a real tale of adventure and there is only one direction they are going in - up and up," he added.
Judging by the reaction to the club's success last season, the people of Louth have taken the club to their hearts. They are also attracting supporters from outside the area, as far as Derbyshire, coming to see our matches.
The White Wolves are going places, why not join the pack? Fixtures and other details from www.louthtown.co.uk.
