Louth Town FC chasing a Football League place by 2017
This is Grimsby
LOUTH Town FC is targeting a place in the Football League by 2017 – according to its new club development consultant Bernard Bale.
A former Fleet Street journalist and BBC broadcaster, Bale has been appointed to take the Northern Counties East League club forward in its ultra-ambitious plans.
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new era: New club development consultant Bernard Bale is welcomed to Park Avenue by first team manager Paul Walden. Submitted picture
new era: New club development consultant Bernard Bale is welcomed to Park Avenue by first team manager Paul Walden. Submitted picture
Bale, who has been associated locally with the Jungle Zoo at Cleethorpes, has helped a host of football clubs in the past including Aberdeen, Hull City, Livingston, West Ham United, Real Mallorca, Everton and even Manchester United.
And in the 1980s he also held the commercial fort at Grimsby Town for a short period.
Bale commented: "I have joined forces with Louth because the club is going places, and has great spirit both on and off the pitch.
"I was impressed with the style of play when I saw the team in action and, laugh if you will, but there is a date in the club diary of August 2017. "That is the date for Louth Town's debut in the Football League. Between now and then it is hoped the club will have a new stadium which will serve the community in various ways as well as the club itself.
"There is already a healthy fan base attending matches and a growing following of distant fans all over the world.
"I'm not sure if the people of Louth fully realise what is happening, but there is a fantastic adventure growing on their doorstep.
"Louth Town has already performed miracles in coming so far so quickly, a tribute to the committee and the football manager, Paul Walden. This football club is going to make people proud to say they are from Louth."
Town began life in 2007 and were promoted from the Central Midlands League Supreme Division last season. To achieve Bale's remarkable target the White Wolves will have to gain a staggering six more promotions in the next seven seasons.
One of English football's chief success stories of recent years, AFC Wimbledon have managed four promotions in eight years, and still remain one step short of Football League status.
Bale has also set out plans for a club shop in the centre of Louth and is currently researching an opportunity for the club's own radio station. However, Bale stresses that the focal point is the football.
"That is the most exciting part of the whole thing," he added. "Louth Town has one of the most talented coaches outside the Football League and has brought together a squad which plays quality football."
