South Yorkshire Times June 25, 1966
Seven Votes Denaby United Unsuccessful In Midland League Quest
Whatever hope Denaby United had of getting back into the Midland league was ended less than quarter of an hour after the start of the league’s annual meeting at Worksop on Saturday.
Hope was lost even before club delegates had voted on the six applications to fill three vacancies. For the deciding factor was their overwhelming refusal to increase membership from the present 22 to 24 clubs.
And when it came to the role, only one club gained Midland League membership – predictably Grimsby Town, who received 13 votes. Skegness and Sutton, forced to reapply for membership as the bottom of the league clubs, were both voted back in with 13 and 15 votes respectively.
Delegates chose to disregard the comments of Denaby’s chairman Mr Eddie Langford on his club’s 63 year’s service to the league, and only seven voted in favour of United, who lost their place last year.
The other applicant, Boston United and Boston FC received five and seven votes respectively.
The only grain of hope for Denaby’s eventual return to Midland League soccer came towards the end of the meeting when the Heanor Town representative suggested that a system of two divisions each consist of 20 clubs could help in attracting new membership, easing fixture difficulties and stimulating competition for promotion.
He added, “At the moment a club can be Champions one year, then be bottom of the league and voted out the next.”
Immediate Aim
League president Mr G.M.Watson, said the management committee had discussed the formation of two divisions, but had no recommendation to make at present. Their main aim was to raise the Midland League back to its former standing. Then perhaps a new system could be considered.
From the general drawing breath at the suggestion and at the proposal for increasing membership, it would seem that most member clubs – especially those placed to play in the league – are wary of any change in the setup. One might almost suspect and “I’m all right Jack” attitude which leaves little room for progress.
A Tradition
At any rate Mr Langford’s words fell on stony ground. He told the meeting: “The Midland League is a tradition at Denaby after our club 63 year’s service.”
The club was financially “very happy” he said, having the support of 2700 miners at local collieries. Grant facilities to cater for 10,000 spectators, including stand accommodation for 800.
He had a, “We are appealing for your support in getting back into the Midland League will stop after Denaby United long service, we feel this is a place we have got to be.”
The delegates felt otherwise, however, and the Denaby contingent, including manager Harry Lee, left without comment.