Whitley Bay FC hope for repeat FA Vase win

May 1 2010 by Sonia Sharma, The Journal

FOOTBALL fans have painted their town blue and white ahead of their club’s big Wembley game next week.

Whitley Bay FC is hoping to bring back some more silverware from the final of the FA Vase on May 9.

The Seahorses won the tournament last year to the delight of football fans in the North East and showed off their trophy from an open-top bus during a victory parade.

Whitley Bay residents are hoping for a repeat performance and have decorated the town in support of the players. Around 3,000 metres of bunting is lining Station Road, Whitley Road and Park View, and several shop windows are proudly showing off the team’s traditional colours.

However, the side won’t be playing in those colours on the big day. Opponents Wroxham, from Norfolk, also play in blue and white and they won the right to play in their colours. Whitley Bay will play in a newly-commissioned yellow strip.

But that little detail has not stopped the town showing its support for the team.

Eastcoast Taxis have had their cars specially branded, and Carters Bakery and J Scott Bakers are making blue and white treats for customers.

Paul McIlduff, chairman of Whitley Bay FC, said he was pleased with all the efforts. He said: “The bunting is going to add the atmosphere and help create even more excitement. Things like this are a big boost for everyone at the club as it shows they’ve got the support of the town right behind them. Last year, because of local businesses closing, I think there was some doom and gloom around the town. But when the club reached Wembley it was a big positive for the area.

“It’s nice to be able to go back and recreate that. Last year was a great day out, the game was played in a good spirit, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Hopefully it will be the same again.”

Money for the bunting came from the club itself as well as the Whitley Bay Chamber of Trade and North Tyneside Council. Karen Goldfinch, chamber of trade chairman, said: “The club’s achievements have brought pride to Whitley Bay for a second year.

“I’ve personally been so impressed by the way something like this brings the community together – both businesses and residents.

“We’ve all been talking about it and how it’s helping to create a great atmosphere. Our businesses are supporting their team, decorating their windows in the team colours, and for the first time we’re creating even more of a vibrant feel with blue and white bunting.

“It’s been a big team effort for us all to get this organised. The chamber and its businesses wish the club every success.”

John Fleet, the council’s town centres manager, added: “We recognise what an important occasion this is for the whole town. That’s why we were really keen to work with the chamber of trade and the club to support the celebrations.

“We hope the bunting creates a lot of colour and helps get people in the mood ahead of the big game.”