Renowned local businessmen join Vikings board

Goole AFC, the high-flying football club that is fast becoming one of the town’s most notable success stories, announced last week that three prominent local businessmen had been appointed to its board of directors. It was also announced that honorary vice-presidencies had been awarded to three former officials of the club.

The new directors are Brian Cooper, David Duckworth and Malcolm Kerrigan BEM.

Brian and David are both directors of Portside Ltd, a refurbishment business based on the Humber Street Industrial Estate. Portside began sponsoring Goole’s under-19 and reserves teams earlier this season, and Brian and David are relishing the challenge of helping to drive forward the club’s long-term plans. Brian, who was born in the north-east of England but moved to Goole as a young boy, served in the army with the Blues and Royals and was awarded colours for rugby and boxing.

Malcolm is the managing director of the Leeds-based contract cleaning company K & D Hygiene Specialists, and he also has an impressive sporting background: during 13 years’ service with the army, he was a goalkeeper for the combined forces and played for the Gibraltar national team against Manchester United. He is also the secretary of Rothwell Cricket Club.

The new appointments have delighted the club’s supporters, who are currently bracing themselves for a nail-biting finale to Goole’s NCEL Premier Division campaign. Vikings fans have also warmly welcomed the news that honorary vice-residencies have been awarded to three popular and long-serving members of the club: former chairman Geoff Bruines, Harry Harrison and Tom James.

“Geoff, Harry and Tom have been outstanding representatives of this club for many, many years,” said Goole AFC chairman Des O’Hearne. “I would like to thank them for everything they have done, and I look forward to continue working with them for many years to come.

“I would also like to give a big welcome to Brian, David and Malcolm. I’m confident that the club will benefit greatly from their expertise and hard work.

“The fact that these high-calibre businessmen have agreed to join us shows how far Goole AFC has come recently. In the last year, we’ve gained a new club sponsor in the form of EITI, we’ve launched some wonderful local community programmes, and we’ve given ourselves a great opportunity to win promotion to the UniBond League.”

Left to right: Eric Lawton, David Duckworth, Malcolm Kerrigan, Brian Cooper, Des O'Hearne