Kids make future bright

Source: Journal Live

Mar 16 2010 by Neil Farrington, The Journal

HAVING wiped the tears of joy – and pride – from his eyes since Saturday night, stand-in manager Dickie Ord insists Durham City’s first win of the season signposts a bright long-term future for the so-called crisis club, writes NEIL FARRINGTON.

Having had a “bubble” by himself following his college kids’ famous 2-1 victory over FC United of Manchester at Bury, Ord must now “scrape them off the ceiling” ahead of tonight’s visit of Whitby.

But a first league win since the loss of their main sponsor prompted a player exodus and forced them to turn to the Ord-trained youngsters at Durham Sixth Form College is being hailed as proof that long-term revival will follow the short-term certainty of relegation from the UniBond Premier.

“I’d said for a while that things were looking up, and Saturday proved it,” said Ord, in charge of City’s first team since manager Lee Collings was suspended for fielding an ineligible player.

“We’ve had a meeting with the directors, and me and Lee (Collings) will take charge of the side jointly next year. It means the club – and the group of young lads we have here – will get some continuity.

“We’ll also form a reserve team, to make sure we have a more competitive squad of players as a whole in the First Division.

“So the future is bright, and that’s a massive tribute to the kids who have fought like lions for us week in, week out.”

Goalkeeper Rhys Jobling is Ord’s only injury doubt tonight, and he added: “It would be great to give our home fans – who have been unbelievably loyal – a good show.”