Monty and New Marske Pick Up Sports Awards
14 December 2007

NEW MARSKE Sports Club were well represented at the Evening Gazette's annual Sports Awards dinner held on Monday at Middlesbrough's Thistle Hotel. The awards scheme is designed to showcase the great wealth and depth of sporting talent and achievement within the region. Focussing on the local community it aims to recognise and reward the work taking place at grassroots level up.

Senior's Manager, Monty Alexander was shortlisted for the Coach/Mentor of the Year Award in recognition of his work in non-league football. Monty managed Carlin How to three consecutive Teesside League Division One titles and two of the last three Macmillan Bowl Trophies before the club's move to become New Marske. Monty has been involved with the club for a decade during which time the club has enjoyed an almost unbroken run of success, winning eight out of nine possible titles. And that good form is continuing this season with New Marske having lost just one game in all competitions so far.

Steve Davies, whose son Scott plays for New Marske, paid tribute to Monty's managerial skills, saying: "All the players respect him because he cares about individuals. If someone is injured Monty is the first to call and see if they are ok. He is a gentleman in everyway". On hearing he had been shortlisted for the award, Monty said: "I'm flattered to think that somebody somewhere appreciates what I do. I wouldn't know what to do without football. I've been in the game a long, long time and I still get the respect of 16 and 17-year olds, which is very rewarding".

New Marske were also presented with the FA Charter Standard by Middlesbrough FC's Academy Director, Dave Parnaby. The Charter Standard Scheme is the Football Association's best practice guide that sets standards of coaching and administration for all clubs outside the Football League and Premier League.

Above: Monty Alexander with his finalist award

Below: New Marske's Dave Taylor, Steve Davies and captain Nicky Ward being presented with the FA Charter by Dave Parnaby (2nd right)

Seniors Set for Travels after Cup Draw

THE WEARSIDE League cup draws have been made for the 2007/2008 season and New Marske will have to clock up the air miles if they are to have any success.

The League Challenge Cup has been particularly unkind to New Marske with away draws all the way through to the semi-final stage. In round one it's off to Harlepool FC with the winners facing a second round trip to East Durham United. The winners of that tie will also be away in the 3rd round.

In the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup New Marske enter the competition at the second round stage with another away game at Wolviston who finished third in the league last season. No surprise that the winners of this tie will be on their travels in round 3.

New Marske fared a little better with the draw for the Shipowners Charity Cup. In round one New Marske have a home tie against Annfield Plain, and if they come through that one, they will be at home again in round 2, hosting Easington Colliery AFC.