Hat-Trick of Awards for 'The Tynesider'

12/06/2012, by Jeff Bowron

Gateshead's acclaimed matchday programme 'The Tynesider' completed a hat-trick of awards for 2011/12 following the Football Conference AGM in Wales.

Gateshead's matchday programme was voted Blue Square Bet Premier 'Programme of the Year' having won the Blue Square North award four years ago.

Earlier in the season 'The Tynesider' was named the best programme in the Blue Square Bet Premier by the Midlands Programme Club.

Their northern counterparts, the Northern Programme Club, have also voted the Gateshead programme as the best in the Conference top flight.

It is an unprecedented three major awards in one season for Gateshead's official matchday programme, much to the delight of chairman Graham Wood.

"Congratulations to Programme Editor Jeff Bowron and his team on this tremendous hat-trick of awards." said Wood.

"The overall quality of programmes increases with every step up the football pyramid and the standard in the Blue Square Bet Premier is very good.

"The fact that we have been so clearly recognised as having the best programme in non-league football is a great honour for the club."

The Tynesiders chairman was on hand to pick up the prestigious award on behalf of the club at the Football Conference Annual Dinner in Wales.

Jeff Bowron Bowron meanwhile expressed his delight at 'The Tynesider' winning three prestigious awards.

"The Football Conference award was the icing on the cake as this is voted on by each club and it is always good to get recognition from your peers," said Bowron.

"We won the Conference North Programme award in 2009 and to replicate that at the higher level is a major coup.

"There are some big clubs in the Conference Premier now, including many not that long ago in the Football League.

"To finish top of the pile is very satisfying for all concerned and great recognition for Gateshead Football Club."

Blue Square Programme Awards:

Conference Premier - Gateshead

Conference North - Boston United

Conference South - Staines Town

The Midlands Programme Club gave the following reasons why 'The Tynesider' picked up their award.

"The layout is excellent and there is a great blend of articles and lots to read. It is good value for money with some great features and good quality photography."

Northern Programme Club

The Northern Programme Club said: "The programme is a really interesting read. It is an action packed edition and Editor Jeff Bowron has taken 'The Tynesider' to a new level."

Premier Division - Wolverhampton Wanderers

Championship - Coventry City

League One: Exeter City

League Two: Bristol Rovers

Conference: Gateshead

The Conference Premier Programme of the Year will be presented to Gateshead by the Northern Programme Club before a game at the start of next season.

Graham Wood