SPORTING NOSTALGIA
Left, Newport manager Steve Brougham lifting the IW Senior (Gold) Cup with captain Darren Powell in 2015. IT IS a natural progression for a number of Island footballers to go into coaching, then eventually management, but not many have matched the achievements of Newport boss Steve Brougham. Island-born Steve, 57, joined Andy Sampson’s dugout team at the start of the season, but found himself in the hotseat in November after Andy decided to step down inheriting a decent, young, talented squad pushing for promotion in Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League.
Steve Brougham, front, far right, as an Oakfield player.
SPORT
The Island s three Wessex League clubs await a decision by the FA on whether the season will go ahead at some stage, or be scrapped, like last season. THE Isle of Wight’s three Sydenhams Wessex League clubs are bracing themselves for what could be a second successive halt to a season because of the pandemic. More than six weeks ago, on Christmas Day, the Island was a Tier One area one deemed to be among the safest in the country, with football watched by improved crowds at Cowes Sports, and for East Cowes Vics and Newport games at Beatrice Avenue.