Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Saturday 18 March 1950, page 28


Appeal by . Atkins Upheld by N.T.F.A AN APPLICATION by Noel Atkins, brilliant North Launceston footballer, for a clearance to captain and coach the Launceston Football Club was upheld by the N.T.F.A. at a special meeting last night..

ATKINS had previously been refused a clearance by North to Launceston on the grounds that the club required his services and because he had an outstanding record and character. Before the meeting the chairman of the N.T.F.A. (Mr. Tyson) stated that evidence would be heard from the North delegate, then the Launceston delegate followed by evidence from Atkins at the conclusion of which the full committee would discuss the matter. Club delegates would then withdraw and a secret ballot of all independent delegates would be taken without any further discussion. North's delegate, Mr. E. Wicks, said his club had no ill-feeling against Atkins and believed that Atkins was of the same sentiment. He said that because North had had strong teams during recent years it appeared that other teams considered it had only to get a player to seek a clearance and it would be granted. "North has not obtained the services of players from any other N.T.F.A. teams, but our club continually receives applications from players seeking to transfer to other teams," added Mr. Wicks. Mr. A. Cooper (Launceston) said Atkins had always desired to. play with Launceston as his father and uncle had both been closely connected with the club. Not Dissatisfied "It is not a matter of a player seeking a clearance from North because he is dissatisfied but that Atkins can better himself by becoming captain and coach of one of the oldest football teams in Australia," said Mr. Cooper. Mr. Cooper said Atkins had been appointed coach of Launceston last December and after making application for a clearance had been informed on March 10 that the application had been refused. "If the appeal is dismissed Launceston will have little opportunity of obtaining the services of another coach this season," he added. Giving evidence, Atkins said that in the event of being transferred to a country district in his profession the fact of being the playing captain and coach of a leading football club would be of great benefit. "Such an appointment, which would give me the opportunity of handling men would also greatly assist me in the case of

promotion in the Education Department," he added. He said it was a credit to the N.T.F.A. that its own players had been appointed to coach local teams in preference to mainland players. "I liked being with North, but feel that the appointment is too good an opportunity to miss, also that I can impart some of my knowledge to other players," he said. Atkins said that he came from Hobart three years ago and intended to play with Launceston, but because he had friends with North he joined the Robins. After discussion club delegates withdrew and a vote was taken. The chairman announced that the appeal had been upheld.