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Mrs Picken poised for Mr Picken’s hot seat

28/ 6/2005

Football

JIM Picken has resigned as chairman of Castleton Gabriels FC and could be replaced in the hot seat by his wife Linda.

Mrs Picken said Jim had stood down due to the pressures of last season making him ill.

Gabs were told early in the year that their Butterworth Park ground was not up to standard and the club could be faced with expulsion from the North West Counties League.

But the League later offered a reprieve and said they would allow Gabs to play on Oldham Town's ground until Butterworth Park, now believed to be owned by Mayfield Amateur Rugby League Club, is brought up to scratch with the floodlighting system repaired.

Mrs Picken said: "It was all getting Jim down so he decided to resign as chairman, but he will probably still be involved with the club, I don't think he would be able to stay away. No one has been appointed to replace him yet, but it could be me. I know enough of the ins and outs of the job, having helped out for some time."

It may all be hypothetical yet, but Gabs could have the biggest attendance in the club's history when they entertain FC United, the new club set up by Manchester United fans unhappy with the takeover at Old Trafford.

FC United have been admitted to the North West Counties Division Two, but knowing Gabs' luck they will probably be ground-sharing with Oldham Town when that particular fixture comes round.

Mrs Picken is not entirely in agreement with United being in the league. She said: "I think they should have started out below this level like most other clubs in the league had to. As for United having 3,000 fans following them, who knows. It may be they have nowhere near that many, they might be like us and struggle to get people watching them."

The make-up of next season's Division Two is: Ashton Town, Blackpool Mechanics, Castleton Gabriels, Chadderton, Cheadle Town, Daisy Hill, Darwen, Eccleshall, Flixton, FC United, Great Harwood Town, Holker Old Boys, Leek CSOB, Nelson, New Mills, Norton United, Oldham Town, Padiham, Winsford United.

Gabs have been drawn away to Flixton in the first round of the League Challenge Cup which will be played on Saturday 15 October. The winners of that game will entertain Padiham or Silsden in round two on Saturday 12 November.

Gabs will be at home to Flixton in round one of the Division Two Trophy on Saturday 5 November.