Joe Dixon’s

Football Memories

HOME DAWDON C.W. JUNIORS SUNDERLAND R.C.A RYHOPE 'POPS' SILKSWORTH C.W. SILKSWORTH BUFFS SEAHAM RED STAR ROKER F.C. DAWDON C.W SEAHAM RED STAR O'35s MINI WORLD CUP EPPLETON CW OTHER CLUBS CAREER at a GLANCE OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FA COACHING BADGE PLAYERS + RYHOPE C.W. CHARLIE HURLEY YOUR MEMORIES BITS & BOBS MORE BITS & BOBS INTERVIEW VISITOR STATS CONTACT ME NORTHERN LG 2016-2017

1977

My 3 favourite teams have fulfilled a dream I’ve had for many years and, to be honest, I had serious doubts that it would ever happen. For the 2016-2017 season they will ALL be competing in the NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION 1 for the first time.

For the season 2015-2016 pride of place goes to RYHOPE CW for finishing runners up in Div. 2 and being promoted. I could say for the first time in its long history but in my mind it is the second time. Just to remind you that in the 2012-2013 they finished 2nd and WERE promoted and then immediately relegated but NOT back to Division 2 BUT to the Wearside League because they had a missed the timetable for ground improvements.

A lot of clubs, in this position, would have been totally disillusioned that all the hard work put in by the committee and management had been a waste of time. With players wanting to play in the Northern League and leave the club it would be understandable for some members of the committee and management to also leave. I wonder if the Northern League committee who made the decision ever thought of the damage this could have done to Ryhope CW.

So the way the Ryhope CW team responded to this was just incredible. To immediately get promoted from the Wearside League in the 2013-2014 season, finish 6th in the Northern League Division 2 in 2014-2015 season and then get promoted this last season was a fantastic achievement. There are lots of people involved in this great success but I would just like to mention my good friends Dougie Bennison (Secretary and Treasurer) and Darren Norton (Chairman) for their belief, vision and total commitment these past few years.

Sunderland Ryhope CA had a tremendous run in the FA Vase reaching the 5th Round before losing 3-2 at home to Bristol Manor Farm. I try not to be biased but in my opinion the ‘CA hammered better teams in earlier rounds. The quality of football in these earlier wins was an absolute joy to watch and probably the best I’ve seen any Northern League Div. I team play.

Seaham Red Star started the season badly and I feared they would be involved in a relegation struggle towards the end of the season. I should have known better as over the years all Seaham sides play with loads of heart. They turned things around completely and finished in the top half of the league 9th  from top. A tremendous achievement.     

With Washington, who finished 10th last season, and the added bonus of the promoted teams Chester-le-Street and South Shields there will be some cracking games to enjoy in this new season. So very best wishes to each team for the 2016-2017 season. The icing on the cake would be for the ‘CA to improve on last seasons FA Vase run, reach Wembley and obviously win. Dreams can come true.

CONGRATULATIONS to SUNDERLAND RCA, RYHOPE CW & SEAHAM RED STAR