PAGET Rangers are looking for an away friendly on Tuesday evening as their pre-season preparations continue.
Anyone who can help can leave them a private message @777kop. Meanwhile, Rangers drew 2-2 at Desborough today (Saturday) in their latest game.ll Other result: Boldmere St Michaels 1 Rushall Olympic 2 REDDITCH Borough's longest serving player Billy Garvey has become the first player at the club to sign a contract.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a prolific previous spell with Borough in 2016-17 when he scored 18 goals from 24 starts and 12 substitute appearances. He has also turned out for Feckenham and Pershore Town. Meanwhile former Droitwich Spa midfielder Adam Watson has joined in time for the new season and club captain Joe Denham has re-signed for the new season. Earlswood Town have appointed media and communications specialist and career journalist Andy Walker as their new chairman.
The 39-year-old takes up the role ahead of the new Midland Football League Division Two season and succeeds Keith Green who stepped down in May 2021. Since 2014, he has been the England men’s national football team’s senior communications manager and was recently a member of Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff at UEFA Euro 2020, his fourth major tournament in the role. Walker (pictured below) was previously head of media and communications at Birmingham City having started his career as a sports journalist with several regional newspaper titles. As a fledgling journalist he edited Solihull Borough's programme and as Solihull Moors, he worked as a voluntary consultant in 2015 to help aid their promotion to the National League. The new chairman said: “I would like to thank the committee of Earlswood Town for offering me this opportunity. "It’s an honour to be asked to take on a leadership role with a football club from within my local community and I hope to bring fresh perspective. “From initial meetings, it’s clear that this club is fortunate to have an incredibly driven manager at the helm backed by a dedicated committee so I look forward to being a part of an exciting and progressive future." Manager Tom Reynolds added: “This appointment is an exciting time for the club. To have someone of Andy’s knowledge, experience and capabilities can only benefit us. " LYE TOWN have confirmed details for their extra preliminary round FA Cup tie with Hanley Town a week on Saturday.
The all Midland Football League premier clash will take place at The Beeches, home of near neighbours and division one outfit Cradley Town. The game couldn't take place at Lye's Sports Ground home due to the cricket season still being ongoing. Meanwhile in the FA Youth Cup Lye will face a tough tie in the Preliminary Round when they travel to Rushall Olympic, the game to be played in the week beginning Monday August 30. The winners of that game will play Rugby Town at home in the first round qualifying. Below: The Beeches TIVIDALE FC Sports Therapist Gavin Blackwell was interviewed on BBC Tees yesterday (Tuesday) to tell the tale of one of his mentors in the field.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Jimmy Headrige, who first joined Middlesbrough as a trainer and physio in 1966 after his playing career in Scotland ended through injury. Jimmy started work with physio George Wright and club doctor and vice chairman Dr Neil Phillips and quickly went on all the courses he could to gain knowledge of his profession. With income gained from hosting a World Cup 1966 game, Middlesbrough expanded their medical facilities and team, and Jimmy eventually became influential in helping to transform the treatment of injuries and rehabilitation not only at Middlesbrough but throughout the game. The Scot went on to work in the United Arab Emirates and for Bolton Wanderers where he was credited for saving the career of Peter Reid, who paid an emotional tribute when receiving the PFA Player of the year award in 1985. He was then head hunted to work for Ron Atkinson at Manchester United in 1981 when he got the manager's job. Sadly just weeks before the start of the new season, Jimmy collapsed from a heart attack on the training ground and died. He was just 42. Gavin, who is writing a book on his 35 years working in professional and semi-professional football in the West Midlands, spoke to BBC Tees mid morning presenter Gary Philipson about Jimmy's life and career, particularly his work at Middlesbrough. He said: "A lot of the listeners or even 'Boro fans in general may not know the name Jimmy Headrige, or his story, with physios often being the unsung heroes of the backroom staff. "Jimmy, and Fred Street at Arsenal and England, changed the thinking about the way players trained, came back from injury, their diet, their physiotherapy routines, almost everything about the physical side of a footballer. "I would go as far as to say they were the forerunners for some of the methods and theory that make up what is now known as medical and sports science and if Jimmy had lived, I feel sure he would have gone on to work in international football for a long time." If you want to listen to the interview, visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p09nkzd1. It starts at 20:00 Below: (L) The late Jimmy Headrige and (R) Gavin Blackwell WORCESTER CITY have announced a deal with Christ Withington to stay at Claines Lane for the 2021-22 season.
The midfielder (pictured below) has been with the club for the last three seasons, clocking up 72 appearances with four goals. Tonight's friendlies (kick off times where known). AFC COVENTRY RANGERS v COVENTRY COPSEWOOD; BOLEHALL SWIFTS v LEAMINGTON HIBERNIAN; DUDLEY TOWN v LYE TOWN; HEATH HAYES v Sporting Khalsa 7:45pm; Sutton Coldfield Town v Romulus 7.45pm; Wellington Amateurs v SHAWBURY UNITED 7.45pm; Westfields v BEWDLEY TOWN 7.30pm; RACING CLUB WARWICK v Earlswood Town; BOLDMERE ST MICHAELS v COTON GREEN; BILSTON TOWN COMMUNITY v AFC Telford XI. TRIBUTES were paid at Wednesfield on Saturday to club legend and stalwart of the Wolverhampton football scene Robert Morris. The friendly game with Shifnal was dedicated to Morris - affectionately known as Moggsy - who was general manager at Wednesfield at the time of his death in November 2020, aged just 62. The father of two (pictured below) had also previously managed the team at Wednesfield and had spells at Great Wyrley and Darlaston FC, as well as being heavily involved in Sunday football in the area. Wednesfield had originally planned to offically name their main stand at Amos Lane after him at the West Midlands League fixture with Shifnal over Christmas, but the game was postponed and then the season curtailed altogether. So they arranged a friendly against the same opposition and unveiled the plaque on the stand before the game (action pic below). Members of the organising committee of the JW Hunt charity cup also donated a framed shirt to mark Moggsy's seven appearances as manager of teams in the final of the competition, traditionally played at Molineux. Secretary of Wednesfield Kevin Hyde, who is also on the JW Hunt cup committee, said Robert loved football and dedicated a large part of his life to the game, particularly in the Wolverhampton area. He said: "It was a great occasion on Saturday and gave the many people, family and friends who were shocked at his death the chance to pay tribute in a fitting way. "The original game was postponed due to the weather and then both clubs moved leagues so it was good we could re-arrange the fixture as a friendly at the earliest opportunity and finally mark Robert' service to the club and the game." *Wednesfield have arranged a home friendly with Hampton FC for Wednesday night, admission £5 adults and £3 concessions and kick off 7.45pm. LEWIS Mitchell has become the second defender in recent days to commit his immediate future to division one new boys Dudley Town.
The energetic full back, 23, will be hoping to add many more appearances to the over 100 for Town appearances he already has. Meanwhile Rebecca Griffiths has been appointed the new first team physio, after previously spending time at Lichfield City. ![]() DUDLEY Town defender Ben Lawley has committed his future to the club for the 2021-22 season. The no-nonsense 31-year-old, the club's leading appearance maker in 2019-20 has extended his stay for a third season. Meanwhile Town entertain Worcester Raiders at home tomorrow (Saturday) at Sporting Khalsa FC (2.15pm ko). DUDLEY SPORTS take on Stourport Swifts tonight (Friday) in a pre-season friendly at Hillcrest Avenue with a kick off time of 7.45pm.
DIVISION Three side Leamington Hibs have signed highly rated youngster Bradley Pugh, fighting off competition from a number of clubs.
Pugh (pictured) came through the Rushall Olympic academy and had been the attention of clubs higher up the pyramid. AFC Bridgnorth have signed midfielder Connor Meadows, the second signing of pre-season for the Crown Meadow club. The club has also announced twenty-year-old defender Harry Walker will continue at the club for his second season. Connor Meadows and (above) Harry Walker
ATHERSTONE Town Community and Nuneaton Borough square off tonight at Sheepy Road for the inaugral Ron Bradbury trophy.
Bradbury served both clubs as manager and assistant manager respectively and the clubs have set up the pre-season games as an annuall event to recognise his service. The second leg willl take place at Borough's Liberty Way ground on Saturday and a trophy will be presented to the winners on aggregate. Admission tonight is adults - £5; concessions - £3 and under 16s free. Tonights other games: LICHFIELD CITY v Coventry United; Nuneaton Borough U18s v BOLEHALL SWIFTS Last night's results: RACING CLUB WARWICK 1 Rugby Town 4; Gresley Rovers 0 AFC WULFRUNIANS 3; SHIFNAL TOWN 1 Rushall Olympic 0; Sutton Coldfield Town 0 BOLDMERE ST MICHAELS 1 Boldmere travel to Sutton Coldfield Town tonight (Tuesday) in one of a number of local derby friendly games.
The full list is below (kick off times where known). BEWDLEY TOWN v Droitwich Spa 7.30pm Bury AFC v HANLEY TOWN Old Wulfrunians v HEATH HAYES STONE OLD ALLEYNIANS v Brocton 7.45pm STOURPORT SWIFTS v Bromsgrove Sporting 7:45pm Sutton Coldfield Town v BOLDMERE ST MICHAELS RACING CLUB WARWICK v Rugby Town AFC SOLIHULL v Gornal Athletic THE fixtures for the new Midland Football League season have been released and in the Premier Division, two new-teams will meet on the first Saturday August 14, Hanley Town and Shifnal Town.
Worcester City start their campaign at home to AFC Wulfrunians and front runners from last season Walsall Wood and Stourport Swifts will meet at Oak Park. The first division fixtures start a week earlier on August 7 and two new boys Dudley Sports and Cradley Town face tough trips to Atherstone Town and Paget respectively. Full fixtures from the first week. Premier Division Saturday August 14: Boldmere St Michaels v Wolverhampton Casuals Hanley Town v Shifnal Town Highgate United v Racing Club Warwick Lichfield City v Haughmond Stone Old Alleynians v Lye Town Tividale v Whitchurch Alport Uttoxeter Town v Bewdley Town Walsall Wood v Stourport Swifts Worcester City v AFC Wulfrunians Monday August 16: Romulus v Tividale Tuesday August 17: AFC Wulfrunians v Walsall Wood Bewdley Town v Lye Town Boldmere St Michaels v Stourport Swifts Hanley Town v Haughmond Shifnal Town v Wolverhampton Casuals Uttoxeter Town v Lichfield City Wednesday August 18: Worcester City v Highgate United Division One Saturday August 7 AFC Bridgnorth v Bilston Town Community Atherstone Town v Dudley Sports Darlaston Town 1874 v Chelmsley Town Heath Hayes v Khalsa Football Federation Paget Rangers v Cradley Town Shawbury United v Wednesfield Stapenhill v Coventry Copsewood Wolverhampton SC v Nuneaton Griff Monday August 9 Chelmsley Town v Ashby Ivanhoe Tuesday August 10 Atherstone Town v Nuneaton Griff Dudley Sports v Shawbury United Dudley Town v Stapenhill Paget Rangers v Heath Hayes Wednesfield v AFC Bridgnorth Wednesday August 11 Darlaston Town 1874 v Wolverhampton SC Khalsa Football Federation v Coventry Copsewood Bilston Town Community v OJM Black Country Rangers NEWS IN BRIEF
AFC Solihull have confirmed highly rated forward Dane Reid has re-signed for the 2021-22 campaign in Division Three. Meanwhile in Division Two, Alceter Town have signed former Feckenham, Worcester City and Solihull Moors defender Daniel Williams. AFC BRIDGNORTH and Tividale fought out a goallless draw in a pre-season friendly at Crown Meadow played in scorching heat.
Tividale fielded new signings forward Jordan Edwards and defender Hayden Reeves who has signed from Lye. Other pre-season friendly results: ALCESTER TOWN 4 Castle Vale 1998 1; STOURPORT 1 Halesowen Town 4; DARLASTON TOWN 1874 5 Willenhall Town 0; ROMULUS 0 Bromsgrove Sporting 1 TIVIDALE travel to AFC Bridgnorth this afternoon in an all Midland Football League pre-season friendly (3pm).
In a Coventry derby, Copsewood take on Sphinx at Allard Way. Today's full programme. AFC BRIDGNORTH v TIVIDALE Allscott v HAMPTON BOLDMERE S&SF v HEATH HAYES CASTLE VALE TOWN v Tipton COVENTRY COPSEWOOD v Coventry Sphinx DARLASTON TOWN (1874) v Willenhall Town 3pm FAIRFIELD VILLA v Triumph INKBERROW v KENILWORTH SPORTING Kirby Muxloe v ATHERSTONE TOWN 3pm LICHFIELD CITY v Walsall ROMULUS v Bromsgrove Sporting 3pm Stafford Town v LYE TOWN STONE OLD ALLEYNIANS v Eccleshall 2pm STOURPORT SWIFTS v Halesowen Town 3pm Stratford Town v HANLEY TOWN Sutton Coldfield Town v PAGET RANGERS Brocton v BOLDMERE ST MICHAELS WOLVERHAMPTON SPORTING COMMUNITY v Gornal Athletic BILSTON TOWN COMMUNITY v HAUGHMOND ![]() DARLASTON TOWN 1874 have welcomed three youngsters back to their first team squad for the 2021-22 season
Left-back Jeevan Purewal, striker Callum Cottee and midfielder Leo Gill will all play their part as manager Dean Gill targets promotion to the premier division of the Midland Football League. Of the three he said: “Jeevan has the potential to be truly outstanding. “He’s only 17 and entering his second season with me. We are expecting him to play a massive part this season and at such a young age he is already regarded as a first-team player. "Callum came with me from Bilston, and at 17 he has all the ability to develop into a top player. His attitude is spot-on, he is fit and always gives 100 per-cent in everything he does. "Leo scored two goals back-to-back against Stafford and Paget in May but at 16 it’s about training, watching and learning,” said Gill. He added: “He will be a player in years to come so it makes perfect sense to have him in and around things already, he is already benefiting from the experience so far." All three may be in action tomorrow (Saturday) when Town entertain Willenhall Town at the Paycare Ground (3pm). Below: Top Left-Jeevan Purewal, Top Right-Callum Cottee and bottom Leo Gill. NEWS IN BRIEF.
STAPENHILL'S pre-season game at Belper Town, due to take place tomorrow (Saturday) has been postponed due to Covid-related reasons. WORCESTER CITY have agreed terms with both Luke English and Sam Hall to stay at Claines Lane for the 2021-22 seaon. English, a defender who joined in 2018 and Sam Hall, who came through the Kidderminster Harriers academy, have over 130 appearances for City between them already. DIVISION ONE side Ashby Ivanhoe are looking for a first team physio ahead of the new season.
Applicants may already be experienced, or may be looking to gain experience in the treatment of players whilst studying a relevant subject. All interested should contact manager Andy Gray on 07834 373 805. THE West Midlands football community has paid tribute to AFC Wulfrunians' secretary Keith Birch, who has died after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Keith served the Castlecroft club for a number of seasons and also saw service as secretary at Willenhall Town, Tipton Town, and Tividale. He was also associated with Walsall FC who sent their condolences at the news. A Midland Football League statement read: "Everyone at the Midland Football League would like to send their deepest condolences to Keith's family and friends as well as all at AFC Wulfrunians at this time." Leon Murray, the current secretary of Tividale said he was deeply saddened by the news and that Keith was the person who encouraged him to get involved in football administration.. A minutes' silence was held before Wulfunian's pre-season game at Heath Hayes last night.
LICHFIELD CITY have bolstered their ranks ahead of the new season after signing goalkeeper James Beeson and forward Jack Edwards.
Beeson brings experience to the club having played for Heather and Highgate. Boss Ivor Green has also retained defender Jamie Elkes. Meanwhile City's planned friendly with Walsall on Saturday has had to be postponed due to a number of COVID cases in the visiting camp - their fixture with Gresley last weekend was off for the same reason. But City are in action tonight (Tuesday) when they travel to Bedworth United (7.45pm). Tonight's other friendlies: AFC COVENTRY RANGERS v ROMULUS; ATHERSTONE TOWN v BOLDMERE ST MICHAELS 7:45pm; Bedworth United v LICHFIELD CITY; BEWDLEY TOWN v Redditch United 7.30pm; COVENTRY COPSEWOOD v COVENTRY ALVIS; DARLASTON TOWN (1874) v Sutton Coldfield Town 7.30pm; DUDLEY SPORTS v TIVIDALE; HEATH HAYES v AFC WULFRUNIANS; PAGET RANGERS v Droitwich Spa; STONE OLD ALLEYNIANS v Redgate Clayton 7.30pm; STOURPORT SWIFTS v Kidderminster Harriers 7:45pm; Wellington Amateurs v CASTLE VALE TOWN 7.45pm; RACING CLUB WARWICK v Hinckley AFC; AFC BRIDGNORTH v Gornal Athletic GOALKEEPER Paul Hathaway has signed dual forms for Bolehall Swifts, allowing him to turn out for the division two outfit this season.
The Coleshill Town stopper (pictured) has over 900 career games under his gloves, including an earlier spell at Swifts, under manager Dave Haywood. He also numbers Atherstone and Mile Oak amongst his former clubs.. |
MFLThe official news channel of the Midland Football League (founded 2014) Archives
April 2022
Categories |