THE manager of Athersley Recreation FC has been put forward in the Sporting Achievement category in the Proud of Barnsley awards after his team won the Sheffield Senior Cup earlier this month.

Pete Goodlad, 57, of Ollerton Road, Athersley, founded the club more than 30 years ago and has dedicated his life to making it a success.

"It's a great achievement. I've been doing it for 38 years and I don't just do it on my own or for the recognition but it's nice that people notice all the hard work that goes into it."

 

Despite starting as major underdogs against cup holders Frickley Athletic, who play two leagues above them, they became the first Barnsley side to lift the trophy since 1969.

 

The nomination said: "Pete Goodlad has taken them from the Barnsley junior leagues to the most successful and highest-placed non-league club in the town. Sheerien Park is almost unrecognisable after he and his fellow volunteers collected thousands of pounds through grants and fund-raising to build two stands, dugouts and a bar area.

"Pete is at the ground almost every day while the club also has a thriving junior section. He has been the lifeblood of the club and without him there would be no Athersley Rec."