Football: Minor on move to Kidsgrove
Minor returned from holiday in Mexico this week and was due to have a knee operation yesterday.
The private surgery will keep him out of action for a further six weeks and he announced: "I have left Newcastle Town. I was offered a new contract, but we could not agree terms over the funding of the operation."
Minor, aged 22, has not played since being injured in the home game against Alsager Town last January. He said: "It was frustrating because it took so long to have an MRI scan that revealed minor cartlidge damage.
"Throughout the treatment my left knee still did not feel right, so it was best to have the operation. It means I will miss the first few games of the new season."
Minor spent three years with Newcastle Town and was the North West Counties League player of the year two seasons ago when he scored 20 goals.
He said: "I want to play at a higher standard, so going to Kidsgrove will give me that opportunity in the UniBond League."
NEWCASTLE Town have launched a search for Micky Bates, who they want to be involved in a charity match in memory of Jimmy Wallace.
Bates was assistant to Wallace when he was manager at Castle, but went to live in Spain.
Castle's John Cotton said: "We've heard Micky is back in the area, but do not known where he is."
A match involving players who came under Wallace's management, including Kidsgrove's North West Counties League championship side, is to take place at Lyme Valley Stadium on Friday, July 31.
The following day Kidsgrove meet Newcastle Town in a pre-season friendly at the Seddon Stadium for the Jimmy Wallace Memorial Trophy.
Wallace died two years ago and players with particular memories of the popular manager are asked to contact Cotton (07977 516879).
LEEK CSOB have landed a plumb pre-season friendly at home to FC United on July 11.
United played their first competitive match at Harrison Park four years ago when a crowd of more than 2,000 watched their 5-2 victory over Old Boys in a North West Counties League Division Two fixture.
United have since won three promotions to reach the UniBond Premier Division.
ALSAGER Town, who were short of backroom staff last season, still require a treasurer, a general secretary, a first-team match day secretary and a programme editor. Inquiries to club chairman Peter Clegg (07976.254188).
LEEK Town players are to take part in a sponsored bike ride as part of their pre-season training on July 25. A 25-mile route starts and ends at Harrison Park.
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