Vale of Lune Game Off

By Dave Picken - April 14 2003
Vale of Lune have pulled out of the friendly which was to have been played at Brinkburn this Saturday. It now leaves us with the Nathan Painter Memorial Game to arrange which could be Rod Maclure's first game in charge.

It is West's turn to host the annual fixture which is in memory of skipper John Painter's son and which raises money for the children's ward at the "General."

Maclure is honouring his commitment to Blaydon and will be with them at Scunthorpe this weekend. But, if the Tech game is the following Saturday, he will be in charge and will get to use it to get to know the players.

His assistant, Keith Lupton, said today: "Rod is still involved with Blaydon but is very anxious to meet the West players before the end of this season.

"He has been in touch with Stabs but kept in the background while John was preparing the side for the Huddersfield game.

"Hopefully the Tech game will give him the chance to introduce himself."