PORTLAND United boss Callum Brooks admits he would be “mad not to tap into” the knowledge of former manager Gary Bailey.Bailey led Portland to successive titles in 2016 and 2017 as the Blues lifted the Wessex League Division One and Premier League trophies.Bailey is now vice-chairman at the Weyline Stadium and Brooks admits he will use the knowhow of the popular former Blues’ coach.He told Echosport: “I’ve got Gary there and people say I’ve come in from a higher level.“That ego has never been with me.“I look at it and go ‘actually, the best bit of help I might get is from good people around me who I’d be mad not to tap into.'“Gary is the kind of manager that I’d aspire to be. Yes, I want to build the club and bring the youth together.“I’d also like to deliver some sort of promotion or cup before my time there is through.“It might not be overnight but getting the group together during these times? Straight away we’re on the upward curve.“I’m looking forward to it but we can’t be too excited. I still see difficulties with the season starting, personally.”Portland have no game this weekend after Hamworthy Rec failed to raise a team.
PORTLAND United president Dave Camp has paid tribute to retiring Blues’ chairman Robin Satherley.After a decade of service in the role, Satherley is stepping away from the hotseat after the Blues' AGM today (5.15pm) but is expected to remain on the islanders’ committee.Camp and Satherley have worked extensively together since the mid-90s to create a legacy at the Blues, most recently securing the purchase of the club’s Weyline Stadium ground.“I will miss him big time,” Camp told Echosport.“Him and I have worked so closely together over those years. I’ve been secretary, chairman and he’s done all those things as well.“We’ve never fallen out, we’ve worked so well together. He’s not actually running away from the club, he’s still going to be around and he’s got a great sense of humour.”Satherley joined Portland almost immediately from school and represented the Blues in the Dorset Combination League and Western League.Satherley also had spells as manager and secretary at the old Grove Corner ground before leaving to concentrate on cricket as both a player and volunteer with Portland Red Triangle in the mid-80s.During his formidable partnership with Camp, Satherley has helped oversee big success on the pitch.In 2016 and 2017 respectively, Portland won the Wessex League Division One and Wessex League Premier.One infamous tale Satherley enjoys reminding Blues’ fans and staff about is when he is claimed to have scored a header while playing for Portland against Torquay United Reserves.Camp said: “He often quotes when we played for Portland he had to go to Torquay, they had their reserve side in the Western League.“He tells me he scored a header – I can’t believe him, nobody believes him!“But he told the world about this header. He said ‘I went up like a swan,’ or something.“We’ve had a lot of laughs over the years. Between us, we’ve seen highs and lows in the 24 years at the new ground.“The first time we came out of the Wessex League there was a bit of a low at the club when most people walked away. We’ve been (through) so much together over those years.”Current Portland manager Callum Brooks believes Satherley personifies the essence of non-league football.“We’ve had some really positive chats,” Brooks said. “When I’ve got a signing over the line he’s given me a bit of encouragement.“For me, people like Robin are what non-league football’s all about.“The lower leagues, there’s a real honesty and integrity about them. These clubs would not be running without people like Robin.“They put in money and time just down to the pure love. He will still be attending the games and be active around the club.“I’ve got huge respect for him and I would hope to go on to have the same relationship with him as if he was chairman.“I’ve been very fortunate because I’ve got his experience there.”
COMPETITION for places was key for new Portland United boss Callum Brooks in his summer recruitment strategy.Brooks, who took over the Blues’ reins after previous manager Brendon King resigned, has kept the core of Portland’s squad.There have been a number of impressive additions, including former Dorchester midfielder Dom Panesar-Dower from Winchester and Ross Carmichael, who rejoins after a long-term knee injury.Brooks has also convinced Jamie Beasley, Lewis Whyton and Ed Bastick to agree terms, while key midfielders Ryan McKechnie and Alex Halloran plus forward Jamie Symes stay on.Commenting on his summer business, Brooks told Echosport: “We are happy. I’ve always had a lot of admiration for the mentality of the group that was already at Portland.“It was common knowledge in the group and they said ‘we think you need to bring in three or four to add competition for places and take everything up a notch.’“We’re getting Beasley back from Hamworthy, Dom and Ross from Dorch who are going to be big, big players for Portland, let’s face it.”Brooks is on the verge of unveiling another key cog to his squad, but kept his name under wraps.“I have got one more to come in – I can’t say who that is publicly,” he admitted.“I’m trying to get one more over the line at the moment and it’s verbally done. I don’t see anything changing.“Then that will be it, that will be our group and we will go to work the same as anyone.“The lads are training now and we’re starting to ramp it up a bit but there’s a lot of uncertainty (due to coronavirus).”
PORTLAND United are on the hunt for a new chairman after long-serving incumbent Robin Satherley chose to retire from the hotseat.Satherley is expected to address Blues’ staff in his final duty as chairman during the Blues’ AGM on Wednesday, August 12.Under Satherley’s tenure, the Blues have enjoyed rich success including back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017 when topping the Wessex Division One and Premier standings respectively.In a brief statement, Portland welcomed applications for the position.The Blues said: “Robin Satherley announced at a full committee meeting his retirement as chairman of Portland United.“Portland require nominations for the position of club chairman.“Nominations must be received by our secretary no later than midnight on Wednesday, August 5.”Portland are currently preparing for the new Wessex Premier League season under new boss Callum Brooks.
We are pleased to announce Ross Pettitt has committed himself to The Blues for the upcoming season.Ross is an industrious player who is able to play in a number of positions down the left side.Thanks to Crosby Carpets for sponsoring Ross this season, your support is very much appreciated.#theblues
