Kendal Town Vice Chairman John Wharton Steps Down Ahead Of Whitley Bay Clash
Kendal Town will host Whitley Bay in the Northern League as the club prepares for an important home fixture following two successive defeats.
The match comes after Kendal suffered losses against Yarm and Eaglescliffe in both league and FA Vase action. The Mintcakes will now be looking to respond with a stronger performance in front of their home supporters.
The fixture is also taking place during a significant week for the club away from the pitch. Long serving club stalwart John Wharton has decided to step down from his position as vice chairman because of work and family commitments.
Wharton has been closely associated with Kendal Town for many years and has played an important role in the running and support of the club. His departure from the vice chairman position marks a change for an individual who has remained closely connected with the club over a long period.
Kendal Town chairman Michael O’Neill paid tribute to Wharton following the announcement. He described him as someone who had been part of the club for as long as O’Neill had been associated with Kendal Town.
O’Neill also said Wharton had represented the voice of Kendal Town during his time with the club. He acknowledged that it would be difficult to imagine the club without his involvement in the role he has held over the years.
Despite the decision, O’Neill said he fully supported Wharton in stepping down because of his personal commitments. He also thanked him for his support and expressed the hope that Wharton would continue following Kendal Town as a supporter.
Attention now turns back towards the footballing side of the club as Kendal prepares for Whitley Bay. The visitors have also experienced a difficult opening to their campaign and arrive in Kendal looking to improve their position.
Whitley Bay are currently positioned close to the bottom of the Northern League Division One table. They will therefore be seeking points from the fixture as they attempt to move away from the lower end of the standings.
Kendal manager Matt Flynn will be looking for his players to respond after what he described as a below par performance against Yarm. The home fixture provides an opportunity for the team to produce a more positive display.
Kendal's recent league defeat came against Yarm and Eaglescliffe, while the same opponents also ended their FA Vase involvement with a victory. The consecutive setbacks have increased the importance of producing a positive result in the next league fixture.
The meeting with Whitley Bay gives Kendal the chance to return to home action and try to build momentum again. The club's supporters will be hoping to see an improved performance after the disappointing recent results.
The wider Cumbrian football programme also features several other Northern League fixtures. Carlisle City will welcome Thornaby, while Penrith will face Shildon at home as both clubs look to build on their recent performances.
Carlisle City produced a strong display despite losing 2-1 to Northern League leaders Bishop Auckland. Their performance included a late penalty appeal that was subsequently acknowledged by the referee as a missed decision.
Penrith, meanwhile, secured a 1-0 victory over Thornaby during the week. The result also brought a clean sheet and gives the side an opportunity to build on that performance when they face Shildon.
Across the wider regional leagues, several other Cumbrian clubs are also involved in weekend fixtures. Holker Old Boys travel to AFC Blackpool after a late equaliser denied them victory at Colne, while Windscale remain unbeaten in the Wearside League.
Millom will host reigning champions Eagley in the West Lancashire League Premier Division, while Cleator Moor Celtic travel to Haslingden St Mary's. Kendal County and Kendal United are also involved in cup fixtures.
For Kendal Town, however, the immediate focus remains on the meeting with Whitley Bay and the opportunity to respond after two successive defeats. The fixture also provides the club with its first chance to move forward following Wharton's decision to step down from the vice chairman role.
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