Lee in charge as new Staindrop football squad starts to take shape

A REFORMED football club has taken one step closer to returning to the field by appointing a new manager.
Lee Taylor will take charge at Staindrop FC as they bid to rejoin the Wear Valley Sunday League (WVSL) next season.
The 42-year-old stalwart hung up his boots last year after a spell with now defunct Cockton Hill WMC.
After being approached by club members John Charles and Stephen Pounder, Mr Taylor was only too happy to take on the job.
He said: “I just wanted to stay involved with football.
“We’ve had a couple of training sessions and it’s looking good.
“We have about 30 lads on our website wanting to join – some of these lads are still playing for other clubs as the season hasn’t finished yet.”
The Bishop Auckland-based support worker said he was keen to get some younger talent into the side and arrange some friendlies as the current league season ends. 
Mr Taylor added: “We’re hoping to play a couple of friendlies in the next couple of weeks.
“I played against them for a number of years – I’ve told the lads it’s not going to happen overnight and we’re going to have to build the club.
“It would be amazing if we win the league straight away but we need to give it a couple of seasons to progress.”
The club has already submitted its papers to join WVSL division three next season.
Mr Charles said Mr Taylor was a useful man to have at the helm. He added: “He’s a good manager, he knows his stuff and he’s committed.”
Fresh kits and balls from sponsor Martin Bell Car Sales have come as a welcome boost to the club.
Staindrop Primary School also gave the squad a place to train while their Winston Road ground undergoes renovation.
Mr Charles said the turf still needed a bit of work.
He added: “It still needs rolling and cutting again.
“We have got a farmer coming along but it’s got to be less wet otherwise it’ll churn it up.”
A number of fundraising events are coming up at the club including a raffle and karaoke on Friday, March 10, from their base at the Wheatsheaf Inn. 
For more information, contact Mr Charles on 07437 446755.