Whistlestop: Final whistle for Beeston football club SLIDESHOW
It's game over for a Beeston based football club after 35 years and the loss of a lifelong stalwart.
Whistlestop will play their last-ever match next weekend in the Leeds Sunday League after struggling for players and funding.
Brian Mountain, secretary, treasurer and manager of 32 years, died in
January at 72 after suffering from heart and lung problems.
WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF WHISTLESTOP?
* Click here to have your say on this story and other issues in Beeston and Holbeck.
New secretary Martin Richardson told the YEP: "Brian was poorly for the last two years.
"We didn't want it to fold while he was alive, but now we feel it's so difficult to get money and players, it is the right time to close."
Mr Mountain was so dedicated to the club, he was given an award by the West Riding County FA to mark 25 years of service.
* Click here to sign up to free news and sport email alerts from Beeston Today.
The award was presented to him by former Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe.
* Click here to make Beeston Today your friend on Facebook.
Now the Leeds Sunday League has named the man of the match award at the Raftery Cup Final in his honour
Mr Richardson said: "I am the oldest in the team now at 50 and the youngest is about 17.
"I have been playing for the same team for 34 years and I am very sad – it is the end of an era."
After their last match on Sunday, April 26, at Sharp Lane, kick-off 11am, there will be a celebration at The Whistle Stop in Town Street, Beeston, to which former members and friends are invited.
Whistlestop FC started in 1974 as Robin Hood B (until 1988) and Angel FC (1988 to 1993). The names changed as the team moved pubs.
They were Division 1 runners-up in 1992-93; Senior B runners-up in 1997-98, Senior A winners 1997-98, John Raftery Cup Winners 2001-2002 and Raftery Cup finalists in 2003-04.
- Simon Grayson sacked: Whites keeping managerial options open LATEST
- January 2012 Premier League and Championship transfer round up
- Leeds United: We wouldn’t have got Alan Smith for £2,500 a week! - Grayson UPDATED
- Web poll: Who should be Leeds United’s next manager? VOTE HERE
- Leeds United: Axed Simon Grayson leaves with tears and a salute for fans INTERVIEW
- Simon Grayson sacked: Whites keeping managerial options open LATEST
- Leeds United: A fresh start is just what we need - Lorimer
- Web poll: Who should be Leeds United’s next manager? VOTE HERE
- Are you satisfied with Leeds United’s dealings in the January transfer window? VOTE HERE
- Match report: Leeds United v Birmingham City
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
