Shifnal Town

Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
vs
Shifnal Town F.C.
West Midlands (Regional) League
Premier Division
Saturday 10th August 2019 Programme £1.00

Chairman:
Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
Club Directory
Neil Chambers
Tel: 07976 752698
N
Vice Chairman:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Garry Hale
Tel: 07791139288
Gil Preece
Tel: 07593281513
Bob Jones
Club Directors: Neil Chambers Keith Chambers
Rose Burley Bob Jones
General Commiee: Neil Chambers Garry Hale Bob Jones
Gil Preece Anton Allen Keith Chambers
Rose Burley George Hancocks Gavin Ingles
Craig Wilkinson
First Team Manager:
First Team Coaches:
Sports Therapist:
Andy Parkes
Ant Follows & Nick Lewis
Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist: Aimee Clemson
Club Photographer:
Ground Address:
Jayne Cartwright Coven Photography
The Paycare Ground
Bentley Leisure Pavilion
Bentley Road North
WALSALL
WS2 0EA
Telephone: 01922 616165
Email: general@darlastontown1874fc.com
Website: www.darlastontown1874fc.com
Programme printed by Tom Giles & Co, OLDBURY. Prog. No 41 2

News & Views
from the
Boardroom
What an absolute delight it is for me to extend a warm welcome to everyone at
Shifnal Town for our first home Premier Division game in more than 6 years.
Under the joint management team of Dan Carter and Andrew Carrier Shifnal
got off to a great start last Saturday and are expected to do extremely well this
season. Their players and officials are most welcome to join us for our award
winning half time and post match hospitality.
Well, since our last home league game in March an awful lot has happened. Of
course the biggest thing to happen was our promotion and I thank and
congratulate Andy, his management team and players for the enjoyment they
gave to us all and for their magnificent season.
The promotion kicked in our Football Foundation grant of £51,000 towards our
floodlights. We still have to contribute £23,000 to the total cost of approx.
£75,000. This was planned and budgeted for and the club funds have been in
place for some time. As you can see work on the floodlights has started and all
of the civil and ground works have been completed. Including the installation of
the pads for the floodlight pylons, and all of the electrical cable has been laid in
underground conduits ready for connection.
We expect the pylons and lamps to be erected within the next 2 weeks. We are
then in the hands of Western Power and Npower to connect the supply before
the big switch on. However all is on schedule to meet the FA and League
deadline of 30 September 2019. We are looking to get some prestigious
opponents for the formal opening and as soon as we know anymore
we will let you know.
3

Off the field our hardworking committee, volunteers and supporters have been
at work making improvements, upgrades, renovations and improvements since
the end of last season. You will not necessarily see or notice them all but they
include nearly £12,000 spent on all four pitches, jet washing slabs in front of
the clubhouse, painting benches, painting post and rail and goal posts, wet
clean of carpets, all windows cleaned inside and out, grounds maintenance
work on the perimeter trees, bushes and privet as well as numerous repairs
and improvements. A special mention to supporters Pete and Alma Davies,
Paul Gutteridge, Stuart Hayes, Phil Chambers , John Reeves as well as some
of the ladies team and youth teams players and parents for their tremendous
help.
Of course there are still funds to be raised during pre-season with club events,
room hires and sponsorships to be arranged and finalised. As always Anton
Allen and Garry and Lynne Hale have been at the fore in running the club bar,
events and hires.
On the sponsorship front we have agreed a new 3 year deal with The Trade
Centre UK, Wednesbury for our away kit whilst all last yearʼs sponsors have
again signed up. It is also fantastic to see that all of our players and
management team have also been sponsored.
This season will be tough and we know we will be competing against many
clubs with playing budgets, some quite sizeable, so we know we have a difficult
task in front of us. However I have no qualms that Andy, his management team
and players will work their socks off and leave no stone unturned to achieve
success.
Finally the support at Pershore Town last Saturday was superb with about 40
supporters travelling to see the team and give them tremendous support. I
know that Andy, the players, particularly the new players to the club who are
not used to such levels of support were delighted with such vocal support.
To everyone of you – Thank You and long may it continue.
Enjoy todayʼs game…………..
4

5

6

View from the Dugout
Good A8ernoon, and welcome back
to the Paycare Ground todays visit of
Shifnal Town, and Darlaston’s return
to the Premier Division.
It was great to see all of the friendly
faces of the Darlo faithful at last
week’s opening game. When
Pershore asked Simon how fans we
expected to travel, I don’t think they
quite believed him when he said
about 50 supporters would be there
to support the players and the
management team. We are all very
humbled by your con>nued support,
especially away from home, you
would not believe the huge
difference it makes to the players, so
on behalf of all of us, thank you.
It seems an age since I last wrote an
ar>cle for the programme, such a
large number of things have
happened since last April, and the
presenta>on evening in May.
Here goes, last season finished on a
real high with us finally geAng that
promo>on spot, when the news
came it was a complete shock. Emma and I were at the club aBending one of the
youth presenta>on evenings with the Vice Chairman Garry Hale and Lynne, when
the news came through, boy did we celebrate. We finished the season unbeaten
a8er 20 games, last losing at home to AllscoB when we were very poor losing 4-1
on 3rd November, so to go six months unbeaten is some achievement. Finishing
runners up is bad enough, but not being promoted a8er the season we had
would have been very harsh.
A8er hearing of the promo>on we had to quickly change everything we had
planned, in an effort to step up to the level required to compete in the Premier
Division. Pre-season was re-planned, and some pre-season friendlies we had
arranged needed to be changed and new opposi>on found. Then there was
player recruitment, we had our wish list, which to be honest didn’t change a great
deal, because the calibre of player we wanted to bring to the club were more
than capable of playing in either Division.
7

Very shortly a8er we suffered a blow, some really sad news my assistant manager
Scoot Moore " Mooro" received an offer too good to refuse, he had been offered
the Assistant Manager’s job at AFC Wulfrunians who play at Step 5 of the Na>onal
League Pyramid a league higher than we are at the moment. We wish ScoB all the
very best for his new venture this season.
Onto the new management structure for season 2019/20, please join me in
welcoming Nick Lewis and Ant Follows who will be joining me in the dugout for
this season. Both are no strangers to the club. Ant decided to hang the boots up
and work alongside me this season. Nick last season was in charge of F.C.
Darlaston leading them to third place at the end of the season. Nick resigned from
the manager’s job, so to be able to recruit and add Nick to the team was a no
brainer.
Before we draw a line under last season, I would like to thank the club for the way
they handled the incidents during and a8er our trip to Worcester. Special thanks
should go to Chairman Neil, and Simon for their outstanding work in making our
formal complaint, working with the two County FA’s along with defending charges
against the club and a player
We have completed a similar pre-season programme to the one we did last
season, although it has been changed slightly because we are playing at a higher
level, as well as the players are a lot fiBer than they were at this >me last season.
We are hoping this puts us in good stead for the coming season. The squad will be
tested very early in the season especially with two seriously difficult opening
fixtures, against sides many think will be occupying two of the four promo>on
places come the end of the season. In addi>on to 14 of last season’s squad we
have recruited some quality players who each bring something different to the
group, they have all seBled in very quickly and all have added to the close-knit
group we had last season. "Time will tell” as they say whether or not they will be
successful or not.
Last week’s opening game was always going to be a tough encounter against one
of this season’s promo>on favourites in Pershore. We knew we had to be on our
game to come away with any sort of result and with eight members of the squad
missing for one reason or another we knew the depth of the squad would be
severely tested.
To come away with a 1-1 draw and earn our first point of the season myself and
management team were very pleased and encouraged with the start to life in the
Premier Division.
We welcome todays visitors Shifnal Town to The Paycare Ground a very
impressive side who I personally believe will be amongst the top four this season,
they bring another tough test for us. Shifnal have been impressive in pre-season
and have also recruited well including a deadly marksman in Tom Hill who scored
goals for fun in this division two seasons ago with Wolves Spor>ng. Also, the
squad is made up of the bulk of players who represented Wednesfield last season
earning a fi8h placed finish, they have followed manager Dan Carter to Shifnal
a8er his appointment in May. In their first game they beat Cradley Town at home,
running out easy winners 4-1
Lastly, I hope you enjoy today’s game,
Andy. 8

9

10

Pershore Town 1
Baldwin 40
Darlaston Town (1874) 1
Nadat 45
In front of a large travelling contingent Darlaston returned to West
Midlands Premier Division action after a six year absence with a deserved
1-1 draw at Pershore Town. In glorious sunshine on the banks of the
River Avon both teams served up a tense affair for both sets of
supporters.
With eight players unavailable Darlaston manager Andy Parkes was
forced into re-jigging his line up with Aidan Blackham, T J Davies, Connor
Fellows and Reis Nadat making their debuts.
After an even start Darlaston had keeper Liam Whittaker to thank on 5
minutes, the young keeper pulling off an outstanding save to fingertip a
Dan Noakes header over the bar. Leon Taylor had the visitors first
opportunity, but keeper Matt Gwynne was equal to the task with a
comfortable save from the strikers 10-yard shot.
11

Pershore were having
the better of the player
with former Aston Villa
and Turkey Under 18
International Umit
Eminoglu pulling the
strings in midfield
whilst Nick Seabourne
was impressive
keeping the central
defensive partnership
duo of Connor Fellows
and Ricardo Ricketts
busy all afternoon.
Debutant TJ Davies hit
the outside of the post
and Taylor could not
get pace or direction on a 19th minute header. Pershore continued to
have the better of the play and Eminogolu had a 25-yard free kick
blocked before Whittaker made another fine save from a Joe Trindade
header. On 31 minutes a Davies corner was met by a towering Taylor
header, but the forward placed his 12-yard header wide.
Pershore took a deserved
lead on 40 minutes. A
dubious free kick was
awarded against Ricketts
on James Baldwin. From
25 yards Eminoglu's free
kick was spilled by
Whittaker and Baldwin was
first to respond prodding
the ball home from 6
yards.
Despite the setback
Darlaston responded
superbly and were on level
terms moments before the break. Full back Sam Causton made a superb
run down the right wing, cut in beyond his marker before cutting the ball
back from the by line for the onrushing skipper for the day Reis Nadat to
cheekily back heel home from 6 yards giving keeper Gwynne no chance.
If the first half belonged to Pershore then the second half belonged to
Darlaston. Within 5 minutes of the restart Aidan Blackham's 22-yard low
drive superbly saved by Gwynne as was Isaac Cooper’s 15-yard effort.
Eminogolu continued to prompt and probe for the home side and Baldwin
had a header easily saved by Whittaker. Cooper, Davies and
Causton all had chances for the visitors without troubling keeper
12

Gwynne, Dane Aldington and Seabourne responding likewise for the
home side.
As the half progressed
the visitors pushed
forward with Alex
Solomon and Ryan
Jones combining down
the left on several
occasions whilst
Blackham and Nadat
negated the threat of
the impressive
Pershore midfield.
The introduction of
Tyrone
Clarke
O'Connell for Isaac
Cooper injected pace down Darlaston's right , the winger making an
immediate impact forcing Gwynne into a save and in the final minute
Clarke O'Connell was breaking through the heart of the home defence
before being brought down by Hussain who was fortunate to see a
yellow card. The resultant free kick coming to nothing.
Overall a fair result with both teams showing quality, energy and
effort in abundance.
13

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14

What Might the
Future Look Like
You may have read recently that the West Midlands Regional League will
not run a Premier Division from the 2020/21 season. So what is this
likely to mean for our cub.
Darlo new asked Chairman Neil Chambers to give his personal thoughts.
Let me say that I know no more than anyone else. I have read what has
been published and sough to interpret everything I have read. It is not
easy to explain and the FA have not been entirely clear on their exact
intentions. However here goes. I will confine most of my comments to
how the changes are likely affect us and the West Midlands Regional
League (WMRL) Premier Division.
For the past two seasons the FA have indicated their intention to form
what they call "The Perfect (non league) Pyramid" at Steps 1 to Step 6
Nationally. Step 1 is the National League Conference and Step 6 is the
equivalent of the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division. We
are currently at Step 6.
The move towards the "Perfect Pyramid" commenced at the end of the
2018/19 season but the biggest impact will be at the start of the 2020/21
season. So my interpretation of what it is likely to mean for us is as
follows-
"The FA has made it clear that Nationally they will introduce a new Step
4 Division and 2 new Step 5 Divisions and that there will fewer
Step 6 Divisions for the start of the 2020/21 season. To prepare 15

for this in May 2019 the FA asked all Step 5 and Step 6 Leagues in the
Country to apply to run Divisions in 2020/21.
The FA has also said that Nationally 24 Step 5 clubs will be promoted to help
create the new Step 4 Division. Twelve clubs will also be relegated from
Step 5. To accommodate all of the changes and make the Leagues
geographically sensible and viable many clubs will be "laterally moved" to
other Leagues. The FA has also said that Nationally there will be 76 clubs
promoted from Step 6 to Step 5 including 4 clubs being promoted from the
West Midlands Regional League at the end of this season. So to create the
two new Step 5 Divisions 36 Step 5 clubs will be promoted or relegated out
of Step 5 and 76 clubs will be promoted from Step 6. This leaves 40 new Step
5 clubs with 20 in each of the two new Divisions.
The FA has recently announced the results of the Step 5 and Step 6
application process. For the 2020/21 season the East Midlands
Counties League and the West Midlands Regional League will no longer run
Step 6 Divisions. Following a recent League meeting the WMRL with full
support of member clubs will appeal the FAs decision.
The exact position at the end of this season will be determined by promotion
and relegation issues as well as decisions made by the FA involving the
lateral movement of clubs . However should the appeal fail then my view of
what is likely to happen is described below. If the appeal is successful what I
say below is likely to change dramatically.
We know that the Midland League was successful in their application to the
FA to run a Step 6 Division. With that in mind I expect that several clubs
based in North Staffordshire and Shropshire currently playing in the Midland
League Division One (also Step 6) and WMRL Premier Division are likely to
be laterally moved to the North West Counties or Northern League. I also
expect that some clubs from the Derbyshire/Nottingham/ Leicestershire
and Coventry area currently playing in the Midland League
16

Division One will also be laterally moved to either the United Counties,
Northern or North West Counties Leagues. I also expect that some Midland
League Division One and WMRL Premier Division clubs from the South
Birmingham and Worcestershire area are likely to be laterally moved to the
Hellenic League.
Following all of those changes I expect, subject to promotions, relegation
and lateral movements that approx 8-10 teams from the Birmingham,
Wolverhampton, Walsall and Black Country area from both the current
WMRL Premier Division and the Midland League Division One will form
a Step 6 Division of 18-20 clubs in the Midland League. Unless we are
promoted or relegated I expect that we are likely to be moved laterally to
the Midland League at Step 6 and be part of that League for the 2020/21
season.
As I say these are only my musings and entirely dependent on promotions,
relegation and lateral movement of clubs decided by the FA.
17

Player & Management
Liam Whittaker Andy Heal Sam Causton Ricardo Ricketts
Sponsored by
Stan Jackson
Sponsored by
Stan Jackson
Sponsored by
Simon Hingley
Sponsored by
John Acton and
Roger Roberts
Aiden Blackham Reis Nadat Luke Charlton Joe Baker
Sponsored by
TG Property
Renovations
Sponsored by
George Hancocks
Sponsored by
Anton Allen
Sponsored by
Scott Baker
Daniel Sam Lynex Bolzon
Sponsored by
Dave Haskett &
Kelly Emery
Noah Diallo
Sponsored by
Dave Meakin
Tyrone Clarke
Sponsored by
Leah Tranter
Leon Taylor
Sponsored by
Coven Photography
Andy Parkes
Sponsored by
Allan Dulleston
18

Sponsorships 2019-20
Scott Glasby Ryan Jones Connor Follows Ryan Jones
Sponsored by
Pete Burke
Sponsored by
Andy Butler
Sponsored by
Rose Burley
Sponsored by
Pete and Alma
Davies
Jamie Holder Alex Solomon Lucas Hough
Sponsored by
Christine Ceney
Sponsored by
Stuart Hale&
Kate Price
Sponsored by
Neil Chambers
Morgan Campbell
Isaac Cooper
Sponsored by
Keith Chambers
T. J. Davies
Sponsored by
Sue and Bob
Jones
Zico Agyemang
Sponsored by
H Steventon
Ant Follows Nick Lewis Mike Howe
Sponsored by
Scott Follows
& Jamie Green
Sponsored by
SMT Painters &
Decorators
Sponsored by
Matthew &
Redsell
Aimee Clemson
Sponsored by
Mark James
19

Binned, stolen, or somewhere under the
bed:
When footballers' medals go missing
After putting all that effort into winning them, it's surprising how many
players allow their awards to go astray – some never to be seen again
7 August ~ In July, Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster was filmed wearing his
Champions League winner’s medal while getting his hair cut at the barbers.
Some applauded how he was sharing the medal with the public. Others
thought he ought to focus on getting first-team football. Given how many
footballers have mislaid their medals, he’d do well to simply take care of it.
Winning a record number of 13 top-flight English titles may explain Ryan
Giggs’s attitude to the whereabouts of his silverware. While having a clearout,
he found a handful of Premier League winner gongs stashed away in
the back of a drawer. He’d forgotten they were there. “I am proud of what
I’ve achieved,” said Giggs, “but looking at a medal or talking about what
I’ve won doesn’t do anything for me.”
Arsène Wenger feels the same way. He claims to have not kept a single
medal, preferring to give them to club staff. Although Tony Adams has a
different view on his former manager, saying Wenger was so angry about
losing the 2001 FA Cup final to Liverpool, that he tossed his runners-up
medal in the bin.
Most are keener to keep hold of what they see as their part of history. Celtic
reserve goalkeeper John Fallon was an unused substitute in the 1967
European Cup final. He still got a winner’s medal – just not for 20 long.

Moments after receiving it, Celtic manager Jock Stein took it away, saying it
was for the referee. It was later discovered it had been given to club
chairman Sir Robert Kelly. Fallon had to wait until earlier this year before
having it returned, after an unnamed person donated it to the club.
In January of this year, former Ipswich Town winger Mick Lambert had his
1978 FA Cup winner’s medal, earned after appearing as a substitute in the 1
-0 win over Arsenal, stolen in a robbery. “Whether we’ll ever see it again I
don’t know,” he said. Three weeks later, he found it under his bed, while
trying to get to the plug sockets behind the headboard.
Alex MacDonald was less fortunate. Six years ago, while holidaying in
Benidorm, his winner’s medal from Rangers’ 1972 Cup-Winners Cup was
ripped from the gold chain he wore around his neck. He remained
philosophical. “I have always been of the opinion that if you get a wallet
stolen, then maybe the person that stole it needed the money more than
you did,” he said. Kirkintilloch Rangers Supporters’ Club paid UEFA £900 for
a replica, which was later presented to MacDonald at Ibrox.
Chelsea’s win over Manchester United in the 2018 FA Cup final meant Cesc
Fàbregas added something previously missing from his extensive medal
collection. Although he won the 2005 competition with Arsenal, he no longer
has the medal as his father, who looks after his memorabilia, somehow lost
it.
Southampton have only won one major trophy, thanks to Bobby Stokes’s
goal in the 1976 FA Cup final. Stokes’s medal very quickly left his sight. The
day after the final he took it to the Beehive, a pub in Paulsgrove,
Portsmouth. However, Bobby was Portsmouth-born, and the pub was his
local. So despite playing for the rivals he was able to pass his medal among
the many fellow drinkers without trouble. Later that evening, he was
photographed wearing a policeman’s hat, while the officers posed with the
Golden Boot he was presented for scoring Southampton’s most famous goal.
It’s not just medals that go missing, either. Having won the 1982 European
Cup in Rotterdam, Aston Villa then lost it at the Fox Inn in Hopwas, near
Tamworth. Colin Gibson and Gordon Cowans wanted to show it to fans.
“Gordon and I had had a few drinks,” said Gibson, “when someone turned
round and said ‘the cup’s gone, it’s been stolen’.”
Bizarrely, it was handed into a police station in Sheffield. Undeterred by the
identity of the thief remaining a mystery, the officers on shift formed two
teams for an impromptu game to see who got to lift the famous cup.
Those who have lost but are yet to find their medals can take
encouragement from auctioneers Hansons, who this year received Johnny
Hancocks’ long-lost winning 1949 FA Cup final medal for Wolves from a
private collector. Medals mark the end of a competition but can often go on
to have their own, long-running story.
21

“Beyond the
Dressing Room”
Wow so what a journey it’s been to get to this
point! Six years of hard work by so many
people, the majority have been with the club
since the first meeting held all that time ago.
Admittedly some volunteers have come and gone, but today is a day
that everyone who has donated any time to this wonderful club of
ours, should be extremely proud of their contribution to help in
returning the club back to where it was six years ago.
Today is the first home game of our Premier Division season...
Do you know how good that feels right!? Premier Division!
It feels so so amazing to know the club are right back (no further
forward) than when the original club folded back in 2013. It was
riddled with finance worries, a ground that was falling down around
everyone's ears and mounting problems. Now we head into the
Premier Division campaign with a huge team of some of the most
committed volunteers any community club could ever have, some
huge skills sets and a new base that's been improved with the club
investing over £200,000 to get us to this point.
I know some people think we are crazy as volunteers, to donate as
much time and effort into this club, helping it become the best it can
be. Everything the club does is managed by or completed by one or
several volunteers, they receive no payment for their time, dedication
and in some cases, blood sweat and tears. Lots of club’s in nonleague
football have amazing volunteers, but the sheer size of the
task here at Darlaston on a weekly basis really proves just how
passionate people are about our club and reputation, by the work
they do. I mentioned earlier about skill sets, a collection of people
from all walks of life have dovetailed together to put Darlaston back
on the map, people such as Civil Servants, business owners,
Accountants, Salesmen, trades people, everyone has their part to
play, and it is very rare at Darlaston to find an instance when
22

something cannot be completed or sorted by one of our volunteers.
Last season ended so close to us winning the league, in fact it really
came down to one goal in the last minute of a home game against
Worcester Raiders, costing the club two points which in fact cost us
the championship by a single point. Losing out on the title and
promotion at the end of the season, felt like we had been kicked in
the teeth, one of the biggest of let downs we have ever experienced
at Darlaston,
Thinking we would have another season in Division One and having to
go again in a Division would have been really hard. But that massive
surprise of finding out that we had been promotion by the FA League
Committee back to the Premier Division felt better than most
Christmas mornings for a lot of us!
So, we welcome you all back again for another long hard slog,
beginning a new chapter in the history of our club, how far can we go
now. We must get behind the managers and his talented squad of
players because really do give everything and more to the club.
Andy is building and advancing all the time and with the likes of Nick
and Ant alongside him it bodes well for a real journey we are about to
embark on together. How they have been able to recruit the quality of
the players they have is beyond me, especially as we are one of less
than a handful of teams in the Division without a budget.
The club has also moved forward on other fronts during the close
season, we have gained a women's team and a few of us were
fortunate to see them in action in their first pre-season friendly, they
won 9-0 an incredible result given their first game. The professional
nature of the women's team really is important because we have
worked so hard to keep the reputation of the club at the centre of all
we do. Many a decision has been made about what is best for the
club and now we have a really dedicated ladies first team I hope we
can build on this and see more ladies and girls involved in our youth
teams.
One thing I always say to people is that this club is a family, you will
always find support or a friendly ear here! So I hope you all enjoy the
coming months, come rain or shine, win or lose the journey to this
point has been nothing short of a miracle and Darlaston Town 1874
F.C. is very firmly on the map once again, and a new blank chapter in
this fantastic club’s history is ready to be written.
#darloaywe
23

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24

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Regional Secretary Joe Morgan
Will Thorne House, 2 Birmingham Road, HALESOWEN, B63 3HP
Tel 0121 550 4888 Fax 0121 550 4272
Email: joe.morgan@gmb.org.uk
Website www.gmb-westmids.org.uk
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25

A BRIEF
HISTORY
Although the record books reveal the
existence of a Shifnal Town Football Club as
far back as the 19th century, the modern
day club was founded as recently as 1964,
originally being named St Andrews Club F.C
Youth.
As members of the local Wellington and District League, the club’s
first significant event was the involvement of the current Club
President and as a result, the organisation of the club improved,
and the first change of identity occurred, with the resurrection of
another historic name from the town’s footballing past, Shifnal
Juniors being the chosen new title.
The final change of name, to Shifnal Town came in 1972 and after
lifting the Premier Division Cup again in 1975, the club’s finest
hour in County League membership occurred the following year,
when the Premiership Division Championship was accompanied by
an appearance in the Welsh Intermediate Cup Final, losing to
Cardiff College at Knighton Town F.C.
1977 saw election to Division One of the West Midlands (Regional)
League. Just two years later, the Divisional title was won, and with
the Club able to boast much improved facilities at the council
owned Admirals Park, promotion to the Premier Division was
obtained. Back to back Premier Division championships followed in
1981 and 1982, but promotion to the Southern League was Denied
due to the absence of floodlights. The 1982/3 season saw Shifnal’s
best ever F.A. Cup Run, when the giant killing exploits took them
to the fourth qualifying round, where only a 4-1 Defeat at Alliance
Premier Division Boston United prevented progress into the
competition Proper. The same season also saw Shifnal pull off a
shock victory over Boston’s divisional colleagues Telford United in
the Shropshire Senior Cup, to set up a final meeting with
Shrewsbury Town, who lifted the cup with a narrow 1-0 success.
Sadly, 1985 was to bring catastrophic news, with the compulsory
sale of the land on which Admirals Park stood.
26

The club had no alternative but to resign from the West Midlands
(Regional) League, but club officials were determined to see the
club rise again. Back in the Shropshire County League, and once
again temporarily based at Idsall Sports Centre, the club then
purchased 5.5 acres of land to construct and develop what is now
the present day Phoenix Park stadium. As work continued on the
new facilities, the club also re-emerged as a playing force, twice
lifting the County League Premier Division Championship, as well
as the J.W. Hunt Cup in 1990, Shropshire Challenge Cup in
1991,Tom Jones Cup in 1992 and the Premier Division Cup in
1993.
The improvements at Phoenix Park saw the club return to senior
ranks for the 1993/4 campaign, with Shifnal spending their one
and only season as members of the Skol Midland Combination
Premier Division, where an eventual third place saw the club
invited to become founder members of the Midland Football
Alliance.
The installation of floodlights in 1994 then ensured that Shifnal
were now able to compete at the highest level since their
formation. In 2002/3 season but after a poor run of results John
Powell stepped in to replace Bernard Mackey. Unfortunately John
was unable to prevent the club being relegated into the Midland
Football Combination. Shifnal Town have since relegation
appointed a string of managers, i.e. Joe Owen, Ken Howells, John
Newell and Mervyn Rowe as caretaker manager.
The 2005/6 season the club as appointed a New Team manager in
Mick Tranter. 2006/7 saw the best season Shifnal have enjoyed for
many years, winning the West Midlands Premier League by 10
clear points so gaining promotion to the Midland Football Alliance,
winning the League Cup, and scoring 100 goals in the league
campaign.
Shifnal Town Reserves also gained promotion to the Shropshire
County League Premier division winning their League by a single
point.
A business disaster led to Mick resigning at the end of the season,
Les Bristow being promoted to take over. He resigned in October
2007, and current incumbent Darren Goodall was appointed for his
first managerial role. Town finished in 15th position in the league,
which was rather disappointing as they fell away with a congested
fixture list towards the end of the season. However, success in the
League Cup competition at Walsall’s Banks Stadium against
27

Coalville Town sweetened the pill somewhat!
Following the resignation of Darren Goodall at the end of the 2008
-9 season, Delwyn Humphreys took the managerial reins for the
2009-10 season, however his stay proved to be a short one for in
October 2009 he accepted a position as assistant manager at
Hednesford Town. John Wilson who was Delwyn’s No.2 at Shifnal
was promoted to take the position of manager. Following a poor
run of results, John parted company with the club, to be replaced
by former player Matt Flanagan in December.
After more years of struggling in the West Midland Premier
League, at the end of the 2014-5 Shifnal finished second bottom
and were relegated to Division One. Matt Flanagan resigned due
to business commitments, and Mark Wells assisted by Kevin
Thompson took over from the beginning of the 2015-6 season .
The league campaign proved to be a success story with Shifnal
Town being crowned Division One champions, wining the title by 9
points ahead of second placed Hereford Lads Club, winning 25
games and losing just one match allowing an immediate return to
the Premier Division.
After two seasons in the Premier League Mark Wells resigned as
manager at the end of season 2017-8. Mark Simpson was
appointed as manager last season assisted Kevin Thompson. The
Town had a disappointing season narrowly avoiding relegation,
this led to another managerial change,
The management team of Danny Carter and Andrew Carrier
taking over for this season after being recruited from Wednesfield
after a very creditable fifth placed finish in their first season in the
Division.
Carter and Carrier have recruited well in the summer, securing
one the Midlands most prolific frontmen in Tom Hill, along with a
number of players that were an integral; part of last season’s
Wednesfield’s squad.
This season is like no other, with four promotion places available
into presumably the Total Motion Midland Football League every
team seems to be investing heavily to try and finish in one of the
promotion slots.
The season started really well last weekend at Shifnal’s
Acoustafoam Stadium when the Town won comfortable 4-1 against
Cradley Town..
28

Rubery Owen Holdings Ltd is a family business established over 131
years ago in Darlaston, West Midlands. It now operates eight group
companies in a diverse range of markets.
Techtron is a contract manufacturer, formulator, blender and
packer of chemical liquids, specialising in putting liquids in
bottles for a variety of market sectors.
Rotech Laboratories Ltd., has two materials testing
laboratories, providing an extensive schedule of accredited
tests and offers a large range of testing services to many
sectors of industry.
Rotronics is the UK partner for both Midtronics and CTEK
battery management technology and specialises in battery
management solutions.
Shukers motor retailing offers customers a huge range of new
and used vehicles from Land Rover, Subaru, Isuzu and
SsangYong.
Phoenix Calibration is the UK’s most diverse materials testing
technology specialist, offering in-house testing, bespoke
design, manufacture and support of machines and control
systems.
Merlin’s services are used for testing and characterising earlystage
development formulations, trouble-shooting existing
formulations for production processes and bespoke testing to
generate data to track quality measures/outputs by design/
computer modelling projects.
29

Around the League
Last Saturday saw the start of the 2019/20 season and already several clubs
have laid down early markers of their intentions.
Relegated from the Midland League Premier Division Wolverhampton
Sporting Community have made numerous eye catching signings and it
showed in their 8-1 thrashing of Bilston Town at Pride Park. Former
Chasetown, Worcester City and Sporting Khalsa striker Nick Turton helped
himself to four goals. Chad Birch opened the scoring before former Darlaston
man James Quarry and then Alex Cameron found the net to make it 3-0.
Turton added two more to send his team in 5 goals to the good at half time.
Turton completed his hat trick with a 6 yard header, adding his fourth and
Sportingʼs seventh before being substituted. Chad Birch netted from the
penalty spot before Yannick Gomes netted a last minute consolation for the
Steelmen.
Todayʼs visitors Shifnal Town also made an impressive start under their new
management duo of Dan Carter and Andrew Carrier who led Wednesfield to a
fifth placed finish last season. Several Wednesfield players have followed
Carter to the Acoustafoam Stadium but it was ex Wolves Casuals full back
Jordan Uppal who opened the scoring in a 4-1 home win against Cradley
Town. Goals from Kyle Montague and Tom Hill gave them a three goal lead.
An own goal gave Cradley a glimmer of hope but the game was settled with
another own goal.
Under the new management of former Stourbridge and Worcester City
midfielder Sean Geddes, Black Country Rangers also showed their intentions
with a 5-1 away win at Wem Town. Bewdley Town were also away winners 5-
2 at Smethwick Rangers.
Dudley Sports were unexpected winners at home to Littleton Town who have
made several high profile signings including former Stourbridge duo Ben
Billingham and Liam McPike. It was Billingham who opened the
30

scoring for Littleton but two second half goals settled the game for Sports.
At the Aspray Arena Dudley Town are also under new management with former
Sikh Hunters boss Matty Lovatt now in the hot seat. Several Hunters players
have followed Lovatt including former Darlaston men Tyrone Atkinson and Ben
Lawley whilst former Paycare Ground favourite Danny Mayne has also joined
Dudleyʼs squad. The visitors to Aspray Arena were last seasonʼs Division One
Champions Worcester Raiders and it was Raiders who made the return home
with all 3 points with a 4-3 win. It was Mayne who gave the home side an early
lead before Raiders responded with four unanswered first half goals. Dan
flowers equalised with Kirk Layton and a brace from Roland Krol putting the
visitors in command at the break. Second half goals from Alex Brogan and Dan
Jones set up a storming finish but Raiders held on to take the spoils.
At Amos Lane Wednesfield also have a new manager in former Bloxwich and
Lane Head boss John Griffiths. Griffiths will be delighted with a 3-1 opening day
win against AFC Bridgnorth. Two second half goals sealed the points.
In the only other game in the Premier Division Wolves Casuals will rue the
dropping of two valuable points in a goalless draw against Shawbury United at
Brinsford Lane. New Shawbury boss Declan Allen has put together a young
talented squad and it looks like they might cause a few shocks this season.
Cassies had the best of the chances but visiting keeper Tom Delamere was in
fine form pulling off several fine saves including a second half spot kick.
So the season is up and running with four teams promoted this season many
clubs have invested heavily with several teams working with big budgets. It will
be interesting to see how the season pans out and which clubs emerge to
threaten the “big boys”. Certainly there were a few shocks on the opening day of
the season and eyebrows have certainly been raised.
Only another 33 League games to go………….
Divisionʼs One and Two get their seasons underway this coming weekend as
Gornal Colts and FC Darlaston play their first games in Division One, and the
WMRL welcome new teams Coven Athletic, Walsall Town Swifts and Worcester
Raiders Reserves to Division Two
31

Darlo’s League Fixtures
10 August 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Shifnal Town 3:00 PM
17 August 2019 Smethwick Rangers Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
24 August 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Wem Town 3:00 PM
31 August 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Black Country Rangers 3:00 PM
07 September 2019 Wolverhampton Casuals Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
14 September 2019 AFC Bridgnorth Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
21 September 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Bilston Town Community 3:00 PM
28 September 2019 Black Country Rangers Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
05 October 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Bewdley Town 3:00 PM
12 October 2019 Cradley Town Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
19 October 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Worcester Raiders 3:00 PM
26 October 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Dudley Sports 3:00 PM
02 November 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Wednesfield 3:00 PM
12 November 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Wolverhampton Casuals 19:45 PM
16 November 2019 Shawbury United Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
23 November 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Lileton 3:00 PM
30 November 2019 Shifnal Town Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
07 December 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Pershore Town 3:00 PM
14 December 2019 Wem Town Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
21 December 2019 Darlaston Town (1874) Smethwick Rangers 3:00 PM
28 December 2019 Wednesfield Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
04 January 2020 Darlaston Town (1874) Wolves Spor:ng Comm 3:00 PM
11 January 2020 Bilston Town Community Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
18 January 2020 Darlaston Town (1874) AFC Bridgnorth 3:00 PM
26 January 2020 Bewdley Town Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
08 February 2020 Worcester Raiders Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
15 February 2020 Darlaston Town (1874) Cradley Town 3:00 PM
22 February 2020 Lileton Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
29 February 2020 Darlaston Town (1874) Dudley Town 3:00 PM
07 March 2020 Dudley Sports Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
14 March 2020 Darlaston Town (1874) Shawbury United 3:00 PM
21 March 2020 Dudley Town Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
11 April 2020 Wolves Spor:ng Comm Darlaston Town (1874) 3:00 PM
32

WMRL
Premier Division
Pos P W D L GD Pts
1 Wolves Spor>ng Comm 1 1 0 0 7 3
2 Black Country Rangers 1 1 0 0 4 3
3 Bewdley Town 1 1 0 0 3 3
4 Shifnal Town 1 1 0 0 3 3
5 Wednesfield 1 1 0 0 2 3
6 Worcester Raiders 1 1 0 0 1 3
7 Dudley Sports 1 1 0 0 1 3
8 Darlaston Town (1874) 1 0 1 0 0 1
9 Pershore Town 1 0 1 0 0 1
10 Shawbury United 1 0 1 0 0 1
11 Wolves Casuals 1 0 1 0 0 1
12 Dudley Town 1 0 0 1 -1 0
13 LiBleton 1 0 0 1 -1 0
14 AFC Bridgnorth 1 0 0 1 -2 0
15 Smethwick Rangers 1 0 0 1 -3 0
16 Cradley Town 1 0 0 1 -3 0
17 Wem Town 1 0 0 1 -4 0
18 Bilston Town 1 0 0 1 -7 0
PLEASE NOTE
The fixture list shown opposite is only published as a guide, and will be
subject to changes. All changes will be published on the Club Website and
Social Media .
25

Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
Ground Regulations
1. Permission to enter or to remain within the Ground is at the absolute
discretion of the Club or any authorised officer.
2. In the event of the postponement or abandonment of the Match,
refunds (if any) will be made at the discretion of the Club. The
Club will have no further liability whatsoever.
3. All persons seeking entrance to the Ground acknowledge the Club’s
right to search any person and to refuse entry to or eject from
the Ground any person refusing to submit to such a search.
4. The following articles must not be brought into the Ground knives,
fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, musical instruments,
weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, bottles, glass
vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon,
compromise public safety or annoy neighbours. Any person in breach
of these requirements will be refused entry or will be ejected from
the Ground.
5. The use of threatening behaviour, foul, aggressive, racist or abusive
language is forbidden and will result in immediate ejection from the
Ground at the discretion of the Club. The police will be called if
appropriate.
6. Racial abuse, chanting or harassment is strictly forbidden and will
result in arrest and/or ejection from the Ground at the discretion of
the Club. A ban for one or more matches will be imposed.
7. The following acts are arrestable offences under the Football
(Offences) Act 1991, as amended and conviction of such acts
may result in a banning order being imposed on the guilty party.
7.1 The throwing of any object within the Ground without lawful
authority or excuse.
7.2 The chanting of anything of an indecent or racial nature.
7.3 The entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to
which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful
authority or excuse.
8. Nobody may stand in any seating or marked area whilst play is in
progress. Persistent standing in seated areas whilst play is in
progress is forbidden and will result in ejection from the Ground.
9. The obstruction of gangways, access ways, exits and entrances,
stairways and like places is strictly forbidden. Nobody
34

entering the Ground shall be permitted to climb any structures within
the Ground.
10. Smoking in No-Smoking areas is strictly forbidden.
11. Under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 as
amended, the following are offences for which a person can be
arrested by a Police Officer and conviction will result in a
Banning Order being made:
11.1 Attempting to enter the Ground or being inside the Ground
whilst drunk or in possession of alcohol.
11.2 The consumption of alcohol is entirely at the discretion of
the club, glass will not be allowed pitch side.
12. Any individual who has entered any part of the Ground designated
for the use of any group of supporters to which they do not belong
may be ejected from the Ground either for the purposes of their own
safety or for any other reason.
13. No goods of any nature may be offered for sale without the prior
written permission of the Club.
14. Photographs and videos
14.1 Photographs and videos cannot be taken or recorded at any
Youth Team games without specific consent being obtained
prior to the fixture or permission is granted from the relevant
Darlaston Town (1874) Youth Team manager prior to kick off
14.2 Photographs and videos are allowed to be taken or recorded at
all First Team matches. To enhance its standing with the
football and local community, to promote the interests of the
club and sponsors, and to keep supporters and followers fully
informed the club has a legitimate interest in publishing First
Team photos and videos including in their match day
programmes on their website and on their social media sites.
The photographs and videos will be destroyed in line with
GDPR Regulations
15. At all times whilst in the Ground, persons must comply with any
and all instructions of any committee member or authorised person.
Failure to comply with any instruction will lead to ejection from the
Ground.
16. The Club reserves the right to eject from the Ground any person
failing to comply with any of the Ground Regulations or whose
presence within the Ground is, or could reasonably be, construed as
constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to any
other person or neighbour. This will lead to further action by the
club including, but not limited to the issue of a banning order.
17. Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the
above Ground Regulations. 35

DARLASTON TOWN (1874)
SQUAD LIST
Joe Baker
Aiden Blackham
Daniel Bolzon
Sammy Causton
Luke Charlton
Ezekiel Agyemang
Morgan Campbell
Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell
Isaac Cooper
T.J. Davies
Noah Diallo
Connor Fellows
Sco Glasby
Andy Heal
Jamie Holder
Lucas Hough
Ryan Jones
Reis Nadat
Riccardo Rickes
Liam Smith
Alex Solomon
Leon Taylor
Liam Whiaker
SHIFNAL TOWN
SQUAD LIST
Jake James
Tom Whiaker
Harrison Barre
Harry Cunningham
Ryan Hadley
Tom Hill
Nathan Jackson
Andrew Bellingham
Jordan Jones
Jake Lloyd
Lewis Mackenzie
Sam McCarthy
Tom McCrystal
Kyle Montague
Ben Novis
Ben Perks
Jamall Pinnock
Craig Radford
Brad Sharman
Bradley Smith
Jordan Uppal
Mark Webster
Rees Wedderburn
Manager:
Coaches:
Sports Therapist:
Management Team
Andy Parkes
Ant Follows
Nick Lewis
Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist
Aimee Clemson
Referee:
Mr. Daniel Ellis
Match Officials
Assistants:
Mr. Paul Hill
Mr. James Kerrigan