Newton Aycliffe FC’s award-winning matchday programme is now in the hands of the programme experts!
The club’s media manager Martin Walker has struck a deal with Aycliffe-based printing firm hpm media – who print matchday publications for Sunderland, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Darlington and a number of other clubs elsewhere in the country.
Although Aycliffe are still producing their own content and designing the programme, hpm are printing it for free.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the new deal,” said Walker.
“hpm are the industry experts when it comes to matchday programmes, so to have them printing ours really is a major coup for the club.
“It’s also fantastic support by one of our local companies. We’re hugely grateful to Newton Press for their massive contribution to the club over the last year or so.
“We look forward to enjoying a healthy working relationship with all local firms in the years ahead.”
Aycliffe’s matchday read has won the Northern League’s programme of the year award in its first two years, and are hoping to make it a hat-trick this season.
Hpm managing director Richard Mortimer added: “We’re always conscious to do our bit for the local community and this seemed like an excellent cause.
“As major players in the footballing industry, we’ve always maintained a keen eye on Aycliffe’s progress over the last few years and we were delighted to see them win the Northern League second division title last season.
“Let’s hope this can be the beginning of a long-term working relationship with the town’s football club.”
Mark Peck is the featured player Aycliffe’s first hpm programme for today’s visit of Marske United.
The defender has been sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing a serious operation.
“It’s difficult but you’ve just go to try and get on with it,” he says.
“You’ve just got to make the best of a bad situation. The doctors are not too sure how it happened. Whether it was the Stokesley game, when I had to come off after being kicked, I’m not sure. They’re still trying to find out what’s causing it.”
Peck is receiving statutory sick pay while he is unable to work, but the club rallied together to raise money for Peck, his girlfriend and their young baby.
The players suggested people donated money to help him out and the club responded by raising over £200 after the Ashington game. Peck was touched by the gesture.
He says: “I need to thank all the lads and everyone who contributed for what they did. I appreciated it and it meant a lot.
“The support from everyone involved with the club has been brilliant. To know people had gone out their way to do something like that for me and my family is good to know and I’d like to thank them all.”
Don’t forget to grab your copy of today’s programme, priced £1, on entry at Moore Lane Park today.
