PULLING IN THE SAME DIRECTION

THE North Yorkshire coastal town of Redcar has always fascinated me in footballing terms.

- Tony INCENZO

Until very recently, there wasn't a local team participating amongst the six steps of our National League System and then, suddenly, two Redcar clubs triumphantly emerged together, as if by magic! 

Redcar Athletic gained promotion to the Northern League Division Two from the Wearside League in 2018 and Redcar Town FC followed suit three years later via the North Riding League.

Athletic then won promotion again, reaching Northern League Division One status at Step 5 in 2021.

So I duly groundhopped both Redcar outfits this season to discover how they are adapting to life in senior Non-League circles.

My first port of call was Redcar Town where I enjoyed a 1-0 Friday night victory against Sunderland West End. An attendance of 193 watched the Northern League Division Two encounter at Mo Mowlam Memorial Park.

I subsequently chatted to Town chairman Gary Wheatley. He told me: "After the COVID disrupted seasons, we secured promotion to this level two years ago based on our favourable points per game record.

Yet truthfully, the side was certainly not ready for the step up and our structure off the field was thin to non-existent.

"Nevertheless, a committee was formed - at last bringing vital club stability. Rather than 'boom and bust', we are focusing upon sustainability by targeting younger home produced players.