Stuart can’t wait to start making plans
Last updated 13:42, Tuesday, 01 July 2008
STUART Rome has explained why he couldn’t turn down the Gretna manager’s job which made him leave Borough Park after three years.
Rome said that it was the one job which would have prised him away from the Reds.
He said: “I really enjoyed my time with Workington because it’s a great club and there are some terrific people involved there. I wasn’t looking at moving on even though we had completed a great season with the reserves.
“When we started – Colin Carter, Herbert Briggs and myself – we mapped out a three year plan. Well we did ok in the Lancashire League first time; performed better in the second year and this last time it was unbelievable.
“We won the League, finished runners-up in the League Cup while several of the players were in the side which won the County Under-18’s Cup.
“But I’m Gretna born and bred and have lived there for 48 years. The club is in my blood because I’ve been a player there, coach in charge of the reserves and the youth, and for a time I was on the committee.
“Obviously the club has had a rough time and when it came calling I just couldn’t refuse. I want to be part of the group who are trying to keep a club going in the community.
“I’m hoping that our acceptance to the South of Scotland League will be confirmed very soon and we can start making plans.”
There’s no definite decision on where the new Gretna club will play. It is hoped that in the long term they will be able to return to Rayedale Park but in the meantime they might have to find another venue in the town.
When the green light is given – and Rome is very optimistic the club will be accepted into the League – one of the first friendly matches he would like to play is at Borough Park against the Reds.
Nothing definite has been agreed between the two clubs but if Gretna are up-and-running this week then July 12 is being talked about as a possible date, or in the following mid-week before the Reds tackle the Annan tournament the following week-end.
If that’s going to be the new Gretna’s first game it is likely to create a lot of interest, with the people of Gretna and the media, so Workington could benefit from a healthy gate.
