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Salute to ‘Mr Woodley’

Simon Smedley
28/ 9/2005

WOODLEY Sports have recently been in the spotlight thanks to their new Fieldturf pitch and exciting ground redevelopments.

However, this year is also particularly significant as it is chairman Ian Campbell's 25th year with the club.

Better known to everyone as 'Cammy', Ian, a former Stockport County apprentice, has played for both the club's Saturday and Sunday teams, managed Woodley's successful first team during the mid-1990s, and has, as chairman, seen his club progress from the Manchester League into the North West Counties League and secure promotion to the UniBond League.

It is Ian's off-the-pitch achievements that are the most remarkable though.

When he first joined Woodley it was little more than a park pitch and his dream was to turn it into a superb football stadium and play in the North West Counties League.

Over the years he has worked tirelessly to make his dream a reality - spending hours working on the ground and striving to raise funds and support, and now, to recognise Ian's contribution and achievements, Woodley Sports are making this season the Ian Campbell testimonial year with several events taking place.

The first is a testimonial match this Sunday, October 2 (2pm), between Woodley 1985 and Grove United 1985.

The club hope that everyone who knows Ian locally will go along and show their support.

Tickets are on sale now, call 07932 581092 or pay on the gate.

• LAST weekend Woodley continued their solid start to the new UniBond League with a 2-2 home draw against Kendal Town.

On the mark for the Steelmen were Mario Daniel and Gregg Brickell with his seventh goal of the season.

Woodley manager Ally Pickering said: "Gregg is doing allright for us this season, he's doing his job up front and I'm delighted with that.

"All the lads are digging in at present though.

"We are a bit thin on the ground in terms of squad numbers, I'm getting a bit desperate for a centre-half right now.

"Liam Dickinson is ready to return from suspension though, so that's good news."

Steve Mallinson and Andy Pavey have both recently left Lambeth Grove, while Clive Brown is currently out injured.

Woodley were at home to Ossett Albion last night [Tues], while this Saturday they welcome Bishop Auckland for a UniBond League game [3pm kick off].