Wolverhampton Sporting Community

Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
vs
Wolverhampton Sporting
Community F.C.
West Midlands (Regional) League
Premier Division
Todays Match Sponsor
Saturday 4th January 2020
Programme £1.00

Chairman:
Darlaston Town (1874) F.C.
Club Directory
Neil Chambers
Tel: 07976 752698
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 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
Graphics contribuon Richard Cooper
Programme printed by Tom Giles & Co, OLDBURY. Prog. No 54
2

News & Views
from the
Boardroom
Today we extend a warm Paycare Ground welcome and wish a Happy New Year
to the players, supporters and officials of Wolverhampton Sporting Community.
This is the first competitive meeting of the two clubs since Tuesday 9 May 2013
when we managed a 1-0 win in our last game before folding at the end of the
2012/13 season. As always we know another difficult game is in store today but
win lose or draw our visiting players and officials will be welcome to join us for
post-match hospitality.
On behalf of the players, management committee and Directors may I wish all of
our supporters a Happy New Year. Throughout 2019 your support has been
magnificent as evidenced last Saturday at Wednesfield where we must have had
50 Darlo supporters cheering on the team.
Together with Bilston Town we are the only two founder members of the WMRL
still playing in the League since it was formed in 1962. As 2020 will see the
demise of the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division for the first time
in 58 years 2020 will see us play in a different League. So 2020 will be a sad year
but also hopefully an invigorating one as we set off on pastures new later in the
year with visits to new clubs and grounds.
As part of our continuing fund raising efforts in 2020 the club will be holding a
monthly fund raiser with the very best tribute acts in the Country. The acts range
from Roy Chubby Brown, George Michael, Kylie, Rod Stewart and many more. It
would be wonderful to see many of you there. There will be an act to meet
everyoneʼs taste.
Finally of course on behalf of everyone a massive congratulations to Gil Preece on
his award as a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire in the New Yearʼs
Honours List.
3

4

View from the Dugout
Good afternoon and welcome back to the
Paycare Ground,
I like to wish the supporters, volunteers,
committee & players a very Happy and
successful new year from my management
team and myself.
Last Saturdays saw us fall short losing
out 1-0 to our local rivals Wednesfield
Town. After beating Smethwick Rangers
the week before and playing well in that
game we were confident going into the
match against Wednesfield, we knew it
was going to be a tough local derby and
that the conditions would play a part in
the outcome of the game. But we make
no excuse it's the same for both sides.
Wednesfield showed real fight and desire
and played the conditions of the pitch
perfectly to get the result.
Even though we were way off par on the
day, we still forced eight corners and created two good opportunities to score,
unfortunately we didn't take them, or I believe the result could have gone our
way. To make matters worse we lost Ryan Jones & Aiden Blackham to injury
before half time which was not ideal. We hope the injuries are not long term, as
we have one of the smallest squads in the league. Other players also picked up
knocks and strains in recent weeks, they have been able to play with them, it's
going to be a busy few weeks for our Sports Therapist & Physio team to get the
players back fit and available for selection.
Behind the scenes we are working hard to add one or two more additions to the
squad. Every management team has a list of targets, some are signed very
quickly, and others take time. When looking at bringing a player in it’s not all
about their performance on the pitch its about them as individuals too, they must
be able to fit in and add value to the squad and club. One bad apple can undo
years of hard work so we have to be as confident as we can before we start
selling the club to potential players.
Currently we are in advanced talks with one player, so we hope to have a
5
new

6

signing in the next week or two. We have identified areas we need to improve on
and will be working hard to step up recruitment moving into 2020.
The lads have been great since the start of the season and are a credit to the
club their work ethic, commitment and application is superb. We are currently
fourth in the league played 20 games - winning 8 - Drawing 4 - Losing 8 not a
bad start. I think we can all agree there are quite a few of those 8 games we have
lost we shouldn’t have, or we were unlucky, or errors have cost us dear.
It’s important we kick on going into the second half of the season and keep
improving. We've adapted well in the Division since getting promoted and have
shown we can compete with the best in the league on our day. The challenge
moving into 2020 is getting a level of consistency and that will be our main goal
Today we welcome Wolverhampton Sporting to the Paycare Ground. Wolves
Sporting were one of the favourites for promotion the start of the season after
being relegated from the Midland Football League Premier Division. A poor start
saw a change in management team and in recent weeks Sporting have had some
good results continually recruiting adding to their squad trying to build a
successful team.
We are well aware of their strengths and weaknesses, but they will provide a
huge test this afternoon and we are looking forward to the game.
I hope you all enjoy the game!
The Gaffa
7

“Mr Darlaston”
is going to the Palace
The club were delighted to announce just before New Year that “Mr Darlaston” our
very own Gil Preece had been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List with the
award of the Medallist of the Order of the British Empire which is awarded to
recognise service to the local community.
Gil’s honour recognises more than 59 years voluntary service in the Bentley and
Darlaston area. Gil spent 24 years volunteering in the Boy Scout movement as well
as being involved in amateur football and refereeing at the same time. For the last
35 years he has been a stalwart of the club. For 47 of these years, Gil now 77 was
also in employment.
A2er being a boy scout for 7 years, his voluntary work started in the scouts in 1960
at the age of 18. In his 24 years’ service he was an assistant scout leader, later
becoming a cub and scout leader, venture scout leader, Assistant District
Commissioner and Duke of Edinburgh Awards assessor before receiving
the "Medal of Merit for Services to Scouting". In his younger days he also
8

ran two marathons to raise funds for the scouting movement.
During his scouting days he was also coaching and managing youth and amateur
football teams for many years. As if he didn’t have enough on his plate in 1962, he
also took up refereeing, he o;iciated in more than 1,000 matches involving at least
26,000 players. He reached the level of football league linesman and mentored and
coached younger referees giving them the benefit of his experience and wisdom.
He retired from both his scouting work and refereeing in 1984.
Gil had followed his beloved “Darlo” and visited the City Ground as a boy since
1954 so when he retired from refereeing, he had his weekends free. He chose to
give up his time voluntarily for his hometown football club which he had followed
as a man and boy for 30 years.
For the last 35 years Gil has been at Darlaston Town regularly volunteering 30-40
hours a week working for the benefit of his beloved club and the
communities of Bentley and Darlaston. He has undertaken virtually every role
possible in that time namely manager, secretary, groundsman, kit man, press
o;icer, gate man, car park attendant, serving in the cafeteria and bar, cleaning
dressing rooms and being a handy man.
On two occasions he has been instrumental and at the forefront of ensuring the
club's continued existence. In the last 35 years several thousand players and tens
of thousands of o;icials and supporters have directly or indirectly benefited from
Gil’s commitment, dedication and expertise.
As if he hadn't already done enough for others, for several years he has also been a
committee member of the J W Hunt Cup Charity Cup football competition helping
to raise funds for the Beacon Centre for the Blind.
It is testament to the man that for more than 59 years he has selflessly given his
time and expertise to the scouting and football communities in Bentley and
Darlaston. It is impossible to gauge the number of hours he has voluntarily given or
the number of people who have benefitted but both run into tens of thousands
and he is still going strong.
Chairman Neil Chambers said “The man is a diamond and we are delighted and
honoured that he is part of our club and community. He will be a nightmare now
and probably expect me to curtsey and bow to him. But seriously, I know the nonleague
football community will be chu;ed to bits that his voluntary work over 59
years has been recognised with the award of such a prestigious honour”.
On hearing of his award Gil said “This is amazing. Thousands of volunteers give up
their time for the benefit of others and I am no di;erent to them. I suppose it is
because I’ve been doing it for 59 years that I have been recognised in this way.
All volunteers love what they do, and I have loved every minute of the last 59 years.
I have lived in Darlaston and Bentley for most of my life and supported Darlaston
as a boy. Football is my first love and it has been a privilege to play my part in the
history of my club. I would like to think the award is not just for me but
for the club and for the people of Darlaston and Bentley”.
9

Wednesfield 1
Novis 87
Darlaston Town (1874) 0
Darlaston failed to end 2019 on a winning note as they fell to a late
goal in this West Midlands Premier Division derby at Amos Lane.
The visitors made a bright start forcing 3 corners in the opening
minutes, all coming to nothing. On 12 minutes a Tyrone Clarke
O'Connell cross was met by leading scorer Leon Taylor who nipped
in front of Griffiths, but the difficult chance struck the outside of
the post from 6 yards.
On a difficult playing surface, the game was littered with free kicks,
neither side getting any rhythm to their game.
On 17 minutes a crude and late challenge by Callum Wood
saw Darlaston midfielder Aidan Blackham, receive lengthy
10

treatment before
having to leave the
field to be replaced
by Jamie Holder.
Wood could easily
have seen red, but
the lenient referee
produced a yellow
card only.
Chances were few
and far between.
Wednesfield's first
chance came on
29 minutes when
former Darlaston midfielder Jarrod Grant hit a 22-yard free kick
high over the bar, following a foul by Luke Wilson on Tom Adie. On
37 minutes Ryan Jones picked up an injury to be replaced by Reis
Nadat who picked up a yellow card before half time as did
Wednesfield's Tom Taylor. Late first half efforts from Darlaston's
Luke Charlton who shot over the bar and Isaac Cooper who sliced
wide ensured the half ended goalless.
The second half was as uninspiring as the first half as the playing
conditions worsened, again neither side playing controlled football
and chances few and far between.
Jarrod Grant and Jake Pain for Wednesfield picked up early second
half cautions.
Following a foul by Jake Pain on Leon Taylor 25 yards out, Tyrone
Clarke O'Connell's free kick struck Taylor, the resulting corner
coming to nothing.
The impressive
Ben Novis and Ellis
Blakemore
combined but
Ricardo Ricketts
and Lucas Hough
stood firm denying
the strikers any
clear shot at goal.
Novis and Luke
Charlton were
both sin binned as
some strange
refereeing
11

decisions
both teams.
irritated
On 65 minutes Grant
shot over the bar and
Darlaston keeper
Connor Hopkins
saved twice with his
legs from Novis and
Blakemore.
The final quarter saw
Darlaston created
several good chances
without being able to
penetrate a stubborn
Wednesfield back line well marshalled by Sam Bennet and Jake
Pain. Taylor broke clear twice but was thwarted by Bennett and a
fine diving save by Keeper Craig Pain. Jamie Holder's 20-yard goal
bound effort struck his own player Luke Charlton 3 yards out
whilst a desperate goal line clearance by Joel Butler kept the home
goal intact.
Substitute Zico Agyemang and Taylor both had opportunities to
put the visitors ahead before disaster struck for Darlaston on 87
minutes.
The game was petering out into a goalless draw when an aimless
ball should've been cleared by keeper Hopkins who was 10 yards
out of his penalty area. Under pressure from Novis, completely
missed his clearance and was robbed by Novis who calmly slotted
home from 15 yards. The goal was devastating for Hopkins who
had been a
virtual
spectator.
Two minutes
later
Wednesfield
broke clear and
Blakemore's 18-
yard shot hit the
post before
rebounding to
safety.
12

13

Darlaston Town (1874) 1
Ricketts 90+2
Smethwick Rangers 0
A crowd of 138 saw Darlaston end their 2019 home campaign with a
last gasp winner.
Darlaston started much the better having 3 goal scoring opportunities
in the opening few minutes. Firstly, top scorer Leon Taylor was at full
stretch to direct a close range shot onto the bar, rebounding onto the
goal line before being cleared by a Smethwick defender. A minute
later Liam Smith brought a smart save from debutant keeper Ryan
Pratt whilst on 7 minutes a glancing header from Taylor missed the
far post by inches.
The pressure mounted on the Smethwick goal, Isaac Cooper
had another effort blocked by a stretched Smethwick
14

defence well marshalled by Mark Bennett.
Smethwick responded
and on 17 minutes
Chris Bladen came
within inches of
connecting with a
superb cross by on
loan AFC Wulfrunians
right back Sam Taylor.
On 21 minutes Ricardo
Ricketts hit the bar
with an 8-yard header,
moments later Bladen
shot wide for the
visitors.
Darlaston should have
taken the lead on 26 minutes, Aarondeep Grewal tripping Ricketts
inside the penalty area. Cooper's well struck spot kick was saved by
the legs of keeper Pratt. On 29 minutes Tyrone Clarke O'Connell
burst into the penalty area but blazed his effort high and wide from
16 yards. Taylor again headed wide for the home side before Chris
Rabone brought a good save from home keeper Connor Hopkins.
Darlaston had the better of the half but on the stroke of half time,
the final opportunity of the half fell to Mark Ganderton the
midfielder's powerful strike rising just over the bar.
Whilst Darlaston had the better of the half they could not break the
deadlock and the second half was an evenly contested affair. The
impressive Mark Ganderton in midfield seeing much more of the ball
and bringing Bladen and fellow striker Geoff Hill into the game much
more than they
were in the first
half. Rabone and
Jason Chilton also
started to prompt,
and probe and it
seemed the
opening goal was
likely to be the
decider.
Early
on
Smethwick had a
glorious chance to
open the
15

scoring Bladen
shooting over
from 6 yards, the
home side
responding with
Smith shooting
over from 20
yards.
Bladen and Geoff
Hill were now
combining well
for the visitors
and creating
difficulties for the
home defenders,
but Lucas Hough
and Ricketts
were majestic at the heart of the home defence thwarting the danger
and restricting the impressive strike duo to half chances.
Clear chances were hard to come by but a well worked Darlaston
move put Taylor in the clear, unfortunately for the home fans in a
one on one with keeper Pratt, Taylor delayed his effort and the
keeper saved with his feet.
Darlaston gave themselves a mountain to climb when they were
reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute. The ever-reliable Sam
Causton was harshly shown a straight red card for a tackle on
Smethwick wide man Jason Chilton,
For the visitors
Geoff Hill curled
an effort wide
whilst Clarke
O'Connell shot
inches over from
10 yards for the
home side.
Looking to take
advantage of their
additional player,
Chilton and
Rabone both shot
wide as it was
clear neither side
were
prepared
to settle 16

for a point, both pushing forward in search of the elusive goal that
would settle the points.
Darlaston full back Ryan Jones spurned the best chance of the game
late on. A fine move saw the ball cleared to Jones on the edge of the
box but with keeper Pratt stranded and the goal at his mercy he
snatched at his 18-yard shot, shooting over the bar.
Eventually as the game entered the closing stages it was Darlaston
who broke the deadlock and the hearts of the Smethwick players with
a last gasp winning goal. Fittingly it was Ricardo Ricketts who had
been superb all afternoon who settled the points for the home side.
Smethwick set up for an Isaac Cooper long throw, instead he went
short to Clarke-O’Connell whose deep cross into the heart of the
Smethwick penalty area was met at the far post by Luke Charlton.
Charlton intelligently headed the ball across the edge of the 6-yard
box, Ricketts was first to react, his right foot shot finding the back of
the net as Darlaston players and supporters celebrated a hard-earned
win.
The win sees Darlaston complete their 2019 home campaign with 12
wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats from their 17 home league games with a
points average of 2.23 points per game.
17

Decorated players: How add-
ing stars for historic honours
became a kit trend
In both the domestic and
international game, past
glories are increasingly
shown off on and around
the badge – but it's not
always obvious exactly
what achievements they
denote.
Football is a game of chaos
and a perfect example of
its random nature is the
supposedly simple matter
of the club crest. For those supporters of a certain age, this was something that
remained unchanged, often for decades. The adding of shields around the badge,
rebranding and general messing around to “update” them is mainly a modern
phenomenon.
As well as general tinkering, clubs have been eager, often with the best intentions of
celebrating their history, to add stars above and within their club crest. The problem
for some is that these stars have often been added in a slapdash fashion leading to,
at least for the casual fan, confusion about what is being recognised and why.
Differences with club and national sides, from one confederation to the next and
between individual clubs in the same league does give the impression that clubs’
marketing departments are making it up as they go along. But like it or not, the use
of a star, much like the ones collected by children for good deeds at primary school,
has become the de-facto symbol of achievements past.
While the use of stars has gone wild in recent years, it isn’t a new innovation. In 1958,
Juventus became one of the early club proponents of the star when they added a
single gold one to their otherwise unblemished black and white stripes in recognition
of their tenth Italian championship. Italian sports had used the Scudetto (shield flag)
since the 1920s to highlight the current defending champions, but Juve’s move was
18

the first to commemorate more distant history. Brazil’s national team
experimented with stars in the 1960s but it wasn’t until the early part of the 21st
century that some form of guidelines were introduced.
Italy continues to use the Scudetto and, like many major leagues, has the guideline
of one star for every ten titles won, but to keep things confusing, there are
numerous exceptions. In Spain neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid display stars
(though in Champions League action they wear patches denoting the number of
titles), and in Germany it’s one star for three titles, two stars for five, and three stars
for ten. Bayern Munich have four stars for their 20 Bundesliga wins (titles before
1963 are not counted) but no one seems to know how many more they need to
capture to gain a fifth star.
English Premier League teams don’t follow any rules and most don’t bother with
stars at all. Only Aston Villa have one for their European Cup victory in 1982.
Outside the top flight the stars are more plentiful and more confusing. Bury (two)
and Huddersfield (three) celebrate pre-war FA Cup and League titles (with the latter
now incorporating the stars into the main body of the crest), Notts County briefly
had one for their Victorian-era FA Cup win, neighbours Nottingham Forest have one
for each of their European Cups and Ipswich have three (for FA Cup, UEFA Cup and
Division One champions respectively). Yeovil provided the most tenuous reason for
stars when they added three to their shirts – to commemorate 15 years in the
Football League. Things are just as random in Scotland. Rangers have worn five
stars for their record 54 league titles, Aberdeen sport two (including one for a
European Super Cup win) and Celtic just one – for the Lisbon Lions European Cup
triumph in 1967.
At least on a national level there is some logic. FIFA allow a single gold star for each
World Cup win. Teams take these stars seriously, with France players changing into
shirts embroidered with two stars for the presentation ceremony after winning the
2018 final. Uruguay are perhaps the answer to a quiz question on this subject as
they have won two World Cups but have four stars. The reason is that FIFA
recognise the 1924 and 1928 Olympic titles as official world championships.
Women’s world champions have worn stars on sleeves and even on the back collar,
but now it is standardised above the national emblem.
The world leaders when it comes to stars on badges are Boca Juniors. For almost 50
years they have been adding yellow stars to their shield badge for each national
championship. At one point they had to remove part of the badge to allow space for
more. Currently they have 52 stars on the badge – surely a record – but they have
won far more trophies. Perhaps a makeover is due.
Article written by Rob Haywood for WSC . Photo taken by Getty Images
19

Player & Management
Andy Heal
Liam Whittaker
Andy Heal
Connor Hopkins
Sam Causton
Sponsored by
Dominic Harvey
& family
Sponsored by
Stan Jackson
Sponsored by
Pete Burke
Sponsored by
Simon Hingley
Luke Wilson
Scott Stevenson Aiden Blackham Reis Nadat
Sponsored by
Stuart Hale &
Katie Price
Sponsored by
Bob & Sue
Jones
Sponsored by
TG Property
Renovations
Sponsored by
George Hancocks
Dee Sinclair
Isaac Cooper
Daniel Bolzon
Sponsored by
Keith Chambers
Sponsored by
Dave Haskett &
Kelly Emery
Andy Parkes
Sponsored by
Allan Dulleston
20

Sponsorships 2019-20
Ricardo Ricketts Liam Smith Connor Fellows Ryan Jones
Sponsored by
John Acton and
Roger Roberts
Sponsored by
Andy Butler
Sponsored by
Rose Burley
Sponsored by
Pete and Alma
Davies
Luke Charlton Jamie Holder Lucas Hough
Liam Cox
Sponsored by
Anton Allen
Sponsored by
Christine Ceney
Sponsored by
Neil Chambers
Tyrone Clarke
Leon Taylor
Zico Agyemang
Romano Graham
Sponsored by
Leah Tranter
Sponsored by
Coven
Photography
Sponsored by
H Steventon
Sponsored by
Graham & Brian
Lloyd
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
21

“Beyond the
Dressing Room”
Well welcome one and all to 2020, a new decade, a new set
of goals. A fresh start or a clean slate to leave things behind
in 2019 although in football, we are pretty much half way
through our campaign
To end the year losing a local derby to Wednesfield is definitely what none of us would
have wanted, we would have much preferred win to consolidate at the end of 2019
third place in the league. Off the field so many amazing things are going on, the biggest
of all news of course is that “Gilberto” aka “Mr Darlaston” was listed in the New Yearʼs
Honours list. I mean that's just something you can't even begin to express the level of
pride we all felt, when the news broke.
Gil is 77 years young, his vigour, passion and spirit is one of the major fundamentals of
this club. I often tell myself when I've put in a long shift and I'm tired that Gilberto at
his age and time of life should have his feet up relaxing, but he works so hard for the
club, apart from the pitch all the jobs and running about he does goes unseen ensuring
everything is prepared and ready for the next game. That's usually enough to get me
the energy I need to get me over the line. Everyone who knows Gill I am sure we are all
so so proud of his history, his volunteering and his sheer heart which is pure gold.
The club held their annual New Year's Eve celebrations a closed event held so as the
clubs friends and their families can bring in yet another New Year together. We have
been doing this now since the club reformed. The event gets bigger and better every
year this year was no exception the quality of the entertainment coupled with the love
and friendship in the room really cannot be orchestrated! It's something special.
To anyone who comes to club nights we kind of have a bit of an anthem now in Penny
Arcade, I don't know how this happened or why we adopted the song so fondly but
whenever it's played it just seems to capture everyone and it just
22

seems to be another acquisition our community seems to have taken as it's own. This
new year was beyond my expectations. It takes so long to get around a room of people
hugging and celebrating the end of one year and the beginning of another.
Something about new year makes us all reflective and look at our journeys and this
new year was no different. The biggest most poignant thoughts for me is that we are
volunteers, we are not party organisers by trade, we have full time jobs, our own
families and commitments yet we somehow manage to host and plan the best club
night. We attract amazing people to bring in our new year with and there is something
so genuine and honest about a Darlaston New Year.
It's long, it's tiring, it's exhausting, it's non-stop, taking endless work and it really
doesn't just happen but every year the commitment and the tenacity of so many drives
the event to be bigger and better and its often at the stroke of midnight on new year I
feel most proud of everything we have built and continue to build here at Darlaston
Town (1874) FC.
Here is a sneak peak of some of the entertainment that has been booked so far this
year. So be sure to put the dates in your diary, all events help to keep the club driving
forward, makes us achieve our goal of sustainability and unites us all together at so
many amazing evenings!
Saturday 1st February - Pink
Saturday 29th February - Roy Chubby Brown Evening
Saturday 21st March - George Michael Tribute
Saturday 18th April - Beyoncé vs Rihanna Tribute
Saturday 30th May - Rod Stewart Tribute
Saturday 27th June - Kylie Minogue Tribute
Saturday 25th July - Amy Winehouse Tribute
Saturday 29th August - The Beatles Tribute
Saturday 26th September - Cher/Annie Lennox Tribute
Saturday 31st October - Halloween Extravaganza
I hope the lads bounce back today in what will be a tough game but get behind them.
Show them your love and support today and see them over the line!
#darloayw
23

24

24

A BRIEF
HISTORY
Formerly known as Chubb Sports F.C we lost our home
club and pitches due to the Chubb lock and safe factory closing down and being
sold for housing. The new name of Heath Town Rangers was chosen by the
existing players who also designed the club badge in 2001.
After much success competing in the Bilston Partnership Youth Football League
until under17ʼs we entered the West Midland Regional League in 2005-2006
competing in the youth league. The following season we entered our first team
into Division Two and in the 2006-2007 season we won the Division Two title and
also the Youth League title.
In the 2007-2008 season we entered our reserve team into Division Two and our
first team gained promotion from Division One into the Premier Division along
with winning the Staffs Challenge Cup. In our first season in the premier division
of the West Midland Regional League 2008-2009 we finished 8th and reached the
final of the league cup which was postponed much to our disappointment.
During the 2010-2011 season the club changed their name to Wolverhampton
Sporting Community Football Club because we have achieved what we originally
set out to achieve under the name Heath Town Rangers.
In the 2012-2013 season after losing the opening 10 games due to the
management team leaving after one game Mark Hopson introduced Paul Harrison
& Roberto Gocan to assist him with the managing of the first team squad and
after the poor start Mark, Paul & Roberto stabilised the squad which saw them go
on a fantastic run leading them to a 10th placed finish in the West Midland
Regional Premier League which is our highest finish since 2008-2009.
For the 2014/2015 season the committee decided on amalgamating
26

our U18ʼs & reserves team together into one team to form our new U21 side
Which competed in the Staffordshire County Senior League Division Two .
In May 2014 Sporting have finally found their own home after years of searching
moving to the Old Great Wyrley FC ground on Hazel Lane. In July 2014 Mark
Hopson & Paul Harrison decided to step down from their managerial roles to
focus on the development on the new ground and appointed Jason Lanns & Scott
Prime as team manager & assistant manager. After two months they both left
their roles Mike Pitt, and Ian Guy were appointed as the new management team a
month later. During December of 2014 after a serious illness to Mike Pitt, Mark
Hopson appointed Andy Paddock as joint first team manager. After a disastrous
first half of the season which saw the club rooted to the bottom of the league the
appointment of Paddock brought stability to club and team which saw them steer
clear of relegation and finish 16th.
During the 2015-2016 season after an early FA Vase exit to Hinckley AFC in
September. After the exit Sporting went from strength to strength as Paddock
guided Sporting to their highest ever position in the West Midland Regional
Premier Division finishing in 4th place amassing a total of 77 points and scoring
an incredible 130 League goals which saw the club automatically qualify for The
FA Cup for the 2016-2017 season for the first time in the clubs history.
Sporting also reached the League Cup final for the second time. They overcame
Bromyard Town, Pegasus & Cradley Town in the previous rounds to seal a final
date with Smethwick Rangers, However after playing 10 games in 22 days
Smethwick claimed the trophy with a 1-0 victory stopping Sporting from scoring
for the first time in 39 games. In the same season Sporting also reached the
prestigious J W Hunt Cup Final at Molineux Stadium on May 27th 2016 against
Sporting Khalsa, despite taking the lead twice through Josh Sarmento & Daniel
Westwood, Sporting were beaten by a Dave Meese 88th minute strike secured the
J W Hunt Cup for Sporting Khalsa with a narrow 3-2 victory.
Sportingʼs first fixture of the 2016-2017 season was our first ever FA Cup tie away
against Tividale. Despite several players being away on holiday Tividale
progressed in the cup with a 2-1 win. Sporting made up for this defeat
though as we progressed in the FA Vase with a 7-1 victory away at
27

Bewdley Town, the reward an away trip to the previous seasons conquerors
Hinckley AFC. Despite Sporting hitting the wood work 3 times in the game
Hinckley scored two goals in the last 5 minutes of extra time to claim a 3-1
victory. Sporting made an incredible start to the league campaign winning all 10
opening league fixtures to surge clear at the top of the league, But in November
our 17 league game unbeaten start to the campaign came to an end with a 3-2
defeat away at Stone Old Alleynians. The club made it to the Staffordshire Senior
Cup quarter final before narrowly losing 3-2 against Step 3 side Hednesford Town.
Sporting were disappointingly knocked out of the J W Hunt Cup at quarter final
stage in strange circumstances after leading 2-0 against Wednesfield inside 7
minutes a floodlight failure caused the game to be abandoned. In the rearranged
game Wednesfield won with a 4-1 Victory. In March 2017 AFC Telford United
came calling for our top scorer Dan Westwood, he joined The Bucks for the
remainder of the season,.
Losing the prolific Westwood cost Sporting after being in the top two all season
during the final week Sporting slipped down to third place finishing with 81 points
from 38 games with only 4 league defeats all season which is our highest ever
league finish & points tally.
The 2017/18 season saw Sporting break another club record with their best ever
run in The FA Vase beating FC Oswestry Town, Heath Hayes, Staveley Miners
Welfare, Rugby Town, Shepshed Dynamo & Cogenhoe United to reach the last
sixteen (5th round) where their run ended losing at home to Leighton Town 4-3.
Sporting also reached the semi finals of the Staffordshire FA Senior Cup after
beating Bilston Town, Walsall Wood & Walsall before losing 3-1 to the eventual
winners Stafford Rangers. After a successful season in the cupʼs Sporting found
themselves five games behind every team in the league and after a monumental
22 game unbeaten league run with 18 straight victories Andy Paddockʼs team won
the West Midland Regional League Premier Division Title earning promotion to
the Midland Football League Premier Division Sporting also claimed the double
as they lifted the West Midland Regional Premier League Cup at Brinsford Lane
with a superb 3-0 victory over Black Country Rangers. Sporting also made it to the
Final of the J W Hunt cup for the second time in three years narrowly
losing 1-0 to Atherstone Town in the final. 28

In May 2018 Andy Paddock stepped down from his role as first team manager due
to family & work commitments, bringing an end to the most successful period in
the clubs history.
John Sturmey, Steve Hinks & Joe Ball also stepped down from their coaching
duties. The Committee appointed former Smethwick Rangers manager Amo
Sandur as manager along with Steve Clarke & Alex Francis as his coaching staff.
After a run of 12 defeats in a row the club and management team mutually agreed
to part ways, Steve Hinks was appointed as the new manager, After a brief spell in
charge Hinks had an offer he couldnʼt refuse moving to Conference side Nuneaton
Borough as their Assistant Manager, Sporting moved quickly to appoint former
Black Country Rangers manager Wayne Spicer, his team included former Sporting
assistant manager Graham Ward, Coaches Tom Albutt, John Davies and Obayed
Hussain, Physio Selwyn Edwards & performance analyst Jan Reis.
After just one season and three managers Sporting were relegated back to the
West Midlands (Regional) League after finishing bottom of the Midland Football
League Premier Division. Wayne Spicer and his team remained at the helm to lead
a promotion challenge especially with four places available one.
After several poor performances and results Wayne Spicer was relieved of his
duties as first team manager and ex professional football Francino Francis was
appointed.
Wolverhampton Sporting Community honours Include
Winners Of The WMRL Division Two - 2006/2007
Winners Of The WMRL Youth League - 2006/2007
Winners Of The Staffordshire Challenge Cup - 2007/2008
Promotion To Premier Division - 2007/2008
Runners up WMRL Premier League Cup - 2015-2016
Winners of The WMRL Premier Division – 2017/2018
Winners of The WMRL Premier League Cup – 2017/2018
Best FA Vase Performance: 5th Round (Last 16) – 2017/2018
Runners Up J W Hunt Cup - 2015-2016
Runners Up J W Hunt Cup - 2017/2018 29

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30

GMB Birmingham & West Midlands Region
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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New GMB App For Your iPhone Or Android!
Download it to your smartphone to get instant access to GMB on the move.
The apps are available now from iTunes and Google Play for Android.
Features include:
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31

Around the League
As we enter 2020 it is hard to see anyone catching runaway Premier Division
leaders Shifnal Town who boast the second best League playing record of any
club at any level in the Country. Only Jersey Bulls FC of the Combined Counties
League with 20 consecutive league wins better Shifnal’s record of 15
consecutive league wins.
Their fifteenth consecutive win came on Saturday 3-1 against Smethwick
Rangers. Once again it was goal machines Tom Hill and Kyle Montague with a
brace on the mark for Shifnal, Jason Chilton was on target for Smethwick.
Second placed Bewdley Town came a cropper at Queen Street where Bilston
finished 2019 in fine style recording their fifth win in six league games with a 2-
1 win. Adam Garmston netted his first goals for the club with a brace, Luke
Sidaway was on target for Bewdley.
Bottom club Cradley Town picked up their first away point of the season at the
eighth attempt with a 2-2 draw at Bridgnorth. Scott Becker and Elliott Lee were
on the scoresheet for the home side with a brace from Jason Wood securing a
point for Cradley.
Dudley Town continue their charge up the table moving into third with a 5-0 win
at strugglers Wem Town. Kieron Berry, Justin Nisbett, Jason Hewitt, Jamie
Beddall and Will Fellows all finding the net.
In the Worcestershire derby goal either side of half time from Jordan Hayward
and James Clarke set Pershore Town on the road to a 3-0 home win against
Littleton Town. Clarke settled the game with Pershore’s third 5 minutes from
time.
Today’s visitors Wolverhampton Sporting Community were comfortable 4-0
home winners against Dudley Sports. Soms Sibanda opened the scoring before a
debut goal from Emile Beckford doubled their lead before half time. Debutant
Justice Campbell signed from Bilston Town netted the third with Jayden Ward
completing the scoring.
Kayelden Brown (two), Troy Baker and Chris Price were on target for
Black Country Rangers in their 4-2 win at Worcester Raiders.
32

In Division One, League leaders Droitwich Spa’s game against Wyrley was
postponed giving three clubs Old Wulfs, Allscott Heath and Wellington Amateurs
the chance to head the Division. Amateurs came from behind twice in a home 2-
2 draw against Wrens Nest. The point was enough to send them to the top of
the Division. Jordon Sangha and Nathan Guest were on target for the visitors
with Marc Perry and Ethan Rochelle on the scoresheet for Amateurs.
Allscott missed the chance to head the Division going into 2020 in a 1-1 draw
at Bromyard Town. Dan Cole put Bromyard ahead on 65 minutes, Allscott were
indebted to Sam Robinson who scored the equaliser six minutes from time.
At Brinsford Lane Willenhall Town put themselves back in the promotion mix
thrashing Old Wulfs 5-1. Team Dudley also thumped Gornal Athletic 5-1, Jack
Bailey (two), Dan Bailey, Alex Pinches and Carrick Chaney with the goals. Ryan
Piggott netted a consolation goal for Gornal.
In the only other game Kieran Matthews gave FC Darlaston an early lead before
a Dan Wood brace secured the points for Bustleholme at York Road. FC finished
the game with nine men as Martin Stanton and Sam Baxter both saw red.
AFC Bentley have a 5-point lead at the top of Division Two. Nick Turton (two)
Liam Hughes, Stan Mugisha and James Spray amongst the goals in a 5-2 win at
Walsall Town Swifts. Coven Athletic stay second following a 6-4 win against
Warstones Wanderers.
WMRL Premier Division Goal Scorers
Player Team Apps Goals
Tom Hill Shifnal Town 18 27
Kyle Montague Shifnal Town 17 19
Adam Garmson Bilston Town 21 17
Dylan Hart Bewdley Town 16 17
Ben Billingham Littleton 19 14
Luke Morris Bewdley Town 17 14
Anwar Olugbon AFC Bridgnorth 19 15
Roland Krol Worcester Raiders 15 13
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Premier Division
League Table
Pos P W D L GD Pts
1 Shifnal Town 15 15 0 0 46 45
2 Bewdley Town 15 11 0 4 24 33
3 Dudley Town 16 10 0 6 14 30
4 Darlaston Town (1874) 20 8 4 8 3 28
5 Bilston Town 19 9 1 9 -4 28
6 Wolves Casuals 12 8 3 1 17 27
7 Black Country Rangers 14 8 2 4 12 26
8 Wolves Spor0ng Comm 15 7 4 4 8 25
9 Pershore Town 17 7 3 7 7 24
10 Li8leton 16 7 2 7 10 23
11 Worcester Raiders 15 7 1 7 2 22
12 AFC Bridgnorth 16 6 2 8 -10 20
13 Wednesfield 14 6 1 7 -8 19
14 Smethwick Rangers 17 5 2 10 -14 17
15 Shawbury United 11 3 3 5 -8 12
16 Wem Town 18 3 1 14 -46 10
17 Dudley Sports 14 2 2 10 -29 8
18 Cradley Town 14 1 0 13 -24 4
Next Game
Coleshill Town vs Darlaston Town 1874
Monday 6th January kick off 7.45 pm 35

PLAYER APPEARANCE
36

S SEASON 2019-20
37

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
38

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. 39

DARLASTON TOWN (1874)
SQUAD LIST
Aiden Blackham
Daniel Bolzon
Sammy Causton
Luke Charlton
Daniel Cresswell
Ezekiel Agyemang
Tyrone Clarke-O'Connell
Liam Cox
Connor Fellows
Romano Graham
Andy Heal
Jamie Holder
Connor Hopkins
Lucas Hough
Ryan Jones
Reis Nadat
Ricardo Rickes
Dahmarnae Sinclair
Liam Smith
Sco Stevenson
Leon Taylor
Liam Whiaker
Luke Wilson
Manager:
Coaches:
Management Team
Andy Parkes
Ant Follows
Nick Lewis
Sports Therapist: Mike Howe
Trainee Sports Therapist
Aimee Clemson
WOLVES SPORTING COMMUNITY
SQUAD LIST
Alvis Adamsons
Kaoui Aoumani
Emile Beckford
Jus0ce Cambell
Iysden Chris0e
Jermaine Clarke
Noah Diallo
Daniel Elwell
Declan Haire
Callum Hall
Jake Healey
Mario Jardel
Roland Joao
Carter Lyce
Melanius Mullarkey
Shaquille Ologiterb
Lucas Peterkin
Dan Scragg
Soms Simanda
Joshua Small
Callum Smith
Michael Townsend
Oliver Waddison
Jayden Ward
Oliver West
Aaron Weston
Marshall Willock
Match Officials
Referee:
Craig Thompson
Assistants:
Phil Felton
Rebecca Scott-Mullen