News of the 'Gate
11/8/00 Captain Falls On Sword After Heartbreak Defeat
John Holmes, Chop Gate's sterling skipper for many years, abdicated his throne today in the wake of the Clubs cruel defeat by Kildale in the Semi-Final of the Dorman Cup last night. The Ginger Grinder found the trauma too much to bear as the Gates' season petered out in the dark at Stokesley.
In a short statement he said, "After collecting my thoughts I have decided I am resigning the Captaincy with immediate effect. I know this puts you on the spot but I thought about it while I was holiday and for a collection of reasons I think it is best for me and team if we have a change of leader. I have not enjoyed it this season (last
Neil Stockton will take charge of the team, supported by Mark Lane until the end of the season. This is the second resignation of a turbulent season, following in the wake of Vice Captain Dave Austin who chucked in the post after only one game in charge as skipper.