Many years ago, I formed the S.S.C. 78, which stands for the Stokesley Subbuteo Club 1978. We played under that name for many years until moving our base to Middlesbrough, and dropping the 'Stokesley', in favour of Teesside. All the players from these two clubs have since moved away or left the game, me included. The game also developed into a quicker game and the players used were designed for the 'new' game. I always hoped that someday, there would be a place for the older players and the older style of play.

Then, out of the blue, I was contacted by an old friend, and also by players still playing the game, but looking for something extra. We all decided to meet up and start up the old S.S.C. 78, but using the old style of players, as pictured in the animations on this page. It was thought that this would be a great 'leveller' and no one would be a lot better than the rest.

And so the new Teesside Lions was born!

Initially we started to play as indicated above. However, since then, we have formed a sub division involving Mike Parnaby, Richard Smith and Ben Staples. The original five have not met for a long time so I can only assume that this league is now dead. I did fear that the three man league would also die, but we were thrown a lifeline. The three joined forces with the Yorkshire Phoenix club, based in Wakefield. We represented this club at tournaments, and joined their premier division for league games.

My own Subbuteo career got a boost in May 2006 when I was selected to represent England in the UK & Ireland championships. I got another chance in 2008 in the same event!

The latest news is that we are forming the North East Table Football Alliance. This will bring together some of the top players in the North East of England on a monthly basis. We have a new website which can be found at:

 This is the new club logo

Also, we have cut our ties with Yorkshire Phoenix. Ben originally joined Solway Seagulls, where I am sure he was more appreciated than he was at Yorkshire Phoenix. I decided to join the San Siro Worthing Five Star team. The main reason for my going there was the chance to play again with some old friends and England colleagues. But from 2009 onwards we will play as a NETFA team in our own right.