Jubilant Lairds secure promotion once again

Apr 21 2008 by Paul McLoughlin, Liverpool Daily Post

JUBILANT Cammell Laird already have their sights set on the Premier Division after clinching automatic promotion from UniBond League First Division South despite dropping two points to play off hopefuls Grantham Town.

Ross Turner put the visitors into a surprise 52nd-minute lead, the battling Laird were undaunted and kept the pressure on the Gingerbreads’ rearguard with close calls for Mark Reed and Tony Rendell. It was Reed who restored parity with a sublime strike from a Chris Nezianya cross.

News filtered through that Warrington had beaten closest challengers Sheffield FC meaning Cammell Laird were assured of second.

Manager Ian Doran was delighted after securing promotion and said: “I am made up for everyone at the club. Thanks to the work of our chairman John Lynch we have gone from the West Cheshire League to the UniBond Premier Division. The players have done their bit on the field, as have the fans and backroom staff off it, this is another great chapter in the history of Cammell Laird.”

With four promotions in the last five years, Laird’s rise through the non-league football pyramid is one of the most rapid in English football.

Masterminding the activities behind the scenes is ex-Tranmere Rovers director George Higham, chief cxecutive of the Kirklands club. He said: “I still have to pinch myself to appreciate that this great little club is just three divisions from the Football League.

“We know that the off the field activities have to keep up with the success of the lads on the pitch.

“We have already started that with the incorporation of the club into a limited company.

“Talks are underway with some significant sponsors and we are setting up the official supporters club in the summer.

“We also have ground improvements planned including the installation of a new stand along with other facilities to make for a more enjoyable experience.

“I would like to thank all of the football going public of Merseyside who have supported Laird’s in this, our centenary season, from the hardcore loyal fans to those who have managed one or two games.

“I’m sure that with local derbies against Marine, Vauxhall Motors and hopefully Prescot Cables next season that there are many more happy memories in store.”

Laird wind up their season with a trip to Warrington Town tomorrow night followed by the long journey to Brigg Town next Saturday.

CAMMELL LAIRD: Whitfield, Ward, Lynch, Gibiliru, Rendell, Atherton, Jebb, Moore, Cooke, Reed, Adamson, Hay, Sheehan, Nezianya