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Tamworth F.C.

Coordinates: 52°37′42″N 1°41′20″W / 52.628403°N 1.688925°W / 52.628403; -1.688925
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Tamworth FC
Full nameTamworth Football Club
Nickname(s)The Lambs
Founded1933
GroundThe Lamb Ground, Tamworth
Capacity4,963 (518 seated)
Coordinates52°37′42″N 1°41′20″W / 52.628403°N 1.688925°W / 52.628403; -1.688925
OwnerBob Andrews
ChairmanBob Andrews
ManagerAndy Peaks
LeagueNational League
2023–24National League North, 1st of 24 (promoted)
Websitehttps://www.tamworthfc.co.uk/

Tamworth Football Club is an association football club based in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England. The club competes in the National League, the fifth level of the English football league system, as of the 2024–25 season.

The club was formed in 1933 after the previous Tamworth club, Tamworth Castle, ceased to exist. After playing in the Birmingham Combination and West Midlands (Regional) League, the team reached the Southern League in 1972, but subsequently fell on hard times and returned to lower-level football. In 1988 Tamworth returned to the Southern League and a year later won the FA Vase. Tamworth reached the final of the FA Trophy in 2003 and in the same season won promotion to the Football Conference, going on to spend four seasons at the highest level of non-League football before being relegated to the Conference North. In 2009 the club gained promotion back to the Conference Premier, and spent five seasons at that level before being relegated. Further relegation in 2018 took the club back to the Southern League.

The team originally played at The Jolly Sailor Ground but after a year moved into The Lamb Ground, named after a pub which formerly stood nearby. The stadium currently has a capacity of just under 5,000 and a 3G artificial pitch which was laid in 2016. Local rivals include Burton Albion and Nuneaton Borough, and to a lesser degree Atherstone Town, Bedworth United and Bolehall Swifts.

History

[edit]
Main article: History of Tamworth F.C.

Early years

[edit]

The town of Tamworth had been represented at football by Tamworth Castle F.C. until the club folded in 1933. This void was filled thanks to a campaign started by a letter from a local businessman in the local newspaper setting in motion the formation of Tamworth F.C. Originally playing next to the Jolly Sailor pub, the club moved to their present ground, the Lamb Ground, in 1934. Tamworth began life competing in the Birmingham Combination, before joining the Birmingham and District League, subsequently renamed the West Midlands (Regional) League, in 1954. In the 1960s Tamworth experienced success, winning the league in 1963–64 and 1965–66 and finishing as runners-up on two other occasions, as well as lifting the West Midlands League Cup, Birmingham Senior Cup and Staffordshire Senior Cup in that decade.

In 1972 Tamworth gained promotion to the Southern League following a third West Midlands League title, but a period of falling attendances and financial difficulties followed. The club returned to the West Midlands League in 1984, and was taken over by a consortium of local businessmen. In 1987–88 Tamworth won the League and were promoted back to the Southern League.

FA Vase win and promotion to the Conference

[edit]

In 1989 Tamworth, managed by Graham Smith, reached the final of the FA Vase for the first time, one year after gaining promotion back to the Southern League. The final against Sudbury Town was played at Wembley Stadium and finished in a 1–1 draw with Martin Devaney scoring for Tamworth, meaning that the winner would have to be decided by a replay. The replay was played at London Road, the home of Peterborough United, and Tamworth won 3–0 with two goals from Mark Stanton and one from Ian Moores to lift the FA Vase for the first time. In 1997 The Lambs won the championship of the Southern League Midland Division and gained promotion to the Premier Division.

In the 2001–02 season, Tamworth narrowly missed out on promotion to the Football Conference, the highest level of non-League football. The Lambs earned a 3–3 draw on the final day away to Folkestone Invicta but Kettering Town won their final game, allow them to overtake Tamworth for first place and win promotion to the Conference. The following season, however, Tamworth won the championship of the Southern League to gain promotion, finishing 13 points ahead of second-placed Stafford Rangers. In the same season Tamworth also reached the final of the FA Trophy where they played Burscough but were denied a double, losing 2–1 at Villa Park.

The club completed perhaps their highest profile signing of all time on 23 February 2006, with the capture of former England international midfielder Paul Merson.[1] However, the arrangement meant that until the end of the season, the majority of Merson's wages were to be paid by the club he used to manage, Walsall. The arrangement however only lasted two games, although Merson only played once in the 2–1 home loss to Halifax Town. Merson was dropped to the bench for the following game, which was a 5–0 defeat away to Grays Athletic. Merson later announced his retirement from professional football as a player on 9 March 2006, less than a month after joining Tamworth.[2] Although the club finished the 2005–06 season in 21st position (the last relegation position) in the Conference Premier, the club were spared the drop after Canvey Island resigned from the league. They also reached the third round of the FA Cup for the first time that season.

Relegation and return to the Conference Premier

[edit]

Despite a fairly poor 2006–07 league campaign, Tamworth once again found themselves at the 3rd round stage of the FA Cup. Norwich City beat The Lambs, and 18 days later Tamworth manager Mark Cooper and assistant manager Richard Dryden were dismissed with the club at the foot of the league table. They were replaced two days later by the former Tamworth managerial duo of manager Gary Mills[3] and assistant Darron Gee.[4] Despite the change in leadership, Tamworth were relegated to the Conference North after finishing in 22nd position.

Nick Wright scored the goal which clinched the Conference North championship in 2009.

The club won promotion back to the Conference Premier at the second attempt, with a 1–0 win over Hinckley United on 21 April 2009 thanks to a goal from Nick Wright securing the title and promotion back to the Conference Premier.[5]

On 13 October 2010, manager Gary Mills quit Tamworth to join fellow Conference Premier side York City, names of possible replacements started to circulate and many believed that Ian McParland had expressed interest in the job. However first team coach Des Lyttle became caretaker manager and was later hired as player-manager. He resigned as manager on 13 April 2011, and was replaced by Tamworth legend Dale Belford, who was to manage the club for the remaining four games of the season. Belford led Tamworth to last day safety with a 2–1 home win over Forest Green Rovers, with Jake Sheridan scoring the all important winning goal.[6] Belford stepped aside at the end of the season, and the search for a new manager to lead the club for the 2011–12 Conference Premier season began, speculation was rife, and the names of former York City manager Martin Foyle, Eastwood Town manager Paul Cox and former Walsall assistant manager Martin O'Connor were all linked to the club, but on 25 May 2011, Tamworth announced Kettering Town manager Marcus Law as the club's new manager.

Tamworth were defeated by Everton in the 3rd round of the 2011–12 FA Cup 2–0 on 6 January 2012. Around 5,000 Lambs supporters made the trip to Goodison Park. [7]

Law was relieved of his managerial duties on 14 January 2013,[8] and Dale Belford was appointed as caretaker manager for the foreseeable future with former Lambs player Scott Lindsey as his assistant.

Conference North and Southern League

[edit]

The 2013–14 season was ultimately one to forget for the Lambs. In a season that included a few highlights such as progress to the 2nd round of the 2013-14 FA Cup, where they were beaten 2–1 at home to Bristol City, Tamworth could not survive in the league and finished 23rd, dropping down into the Conference North after five seasons in the English fifth tier. On 15 September 2014, with Tamworth in the bottom three of the Conference North, Belford left the club by mutual consent and was replaced by former Wrexham manager Andy Morrell. Despite a 12-game winning run, promotion was just out of reach as Tamworth failed to get into the play-offs on goal difference.

Tamworth began the 2018–19 season in the newly formed Southern League Premier Central, and announced a new first team management consisting of Mike Fowler, as head coach, Tim Harris as director of football and the return of Paul Green as player-coach.[9]

On 10 September 2018, following a disappointing start to the season, head coach Mike Fowler stepped down from his role.[10] Tim Harris also left the club on 20 September 2018, to take the director of football role at Hereford.[11] On the same day Dennis Greene was confirmed as the club's new manager,[12] but he remained in the post for only four months before being dismissed following a string of disappointing results.[13] On 8 March 2019, Andrew Danylyszyn and club legend Gary Smith were announced as joint managers for the club until the end of the season, with the management duo securing the job following a five-game unbeaten run while in a caretaker role at the club.[14] Danylyszyn and Smith were jointly named manager of the month for March 2019 following four wins and a draw in their first five games in charge.[15] Following much improved performances on the pitch, the duo steered the club away from relegation and secured a 12th position in their first season in the Southern League Premier Central. It was officially confirmed on 22 April 2019 that Danylyszyn and Smith had been appointed the club's permanent management duo, and would lead the club into the 2019–20 season.[16] They were joined at the club by former Kettering Town and Stratford Town manager Thomas Baillie, who was appointed as Head of Senior Football.[17]

In the 2022–23 season, Tamworth were confirmed as the Southern League Premier Division Central champions, winning the division on goal difference.[18] Tamworth subsequently recorded a second successive promotion the following year, winning the National League North title with two games remaining.[19]

Colours and badge

[edit]

As of 2009, Tamworth play in an all red kit with white sides, and with the 2010–11 season there was no change colours but the white stripes on the sides moved so they went down as far as the sleeves. In 2011–12 the white sides changed to black and the shorts also changed to dark blue. In 2012–13 the colours changed to go back to all red kits with white stripes on the side.

The Tamworth FC badge features the flag and the Stafford knot, the symbol of Staffordshire next to the Tamworth castle.

Shirt/shorts sponsors/manufacturers

[edit]
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
1999–2000 Prostar Polesworth Garage
2000–2004 Nike Bloor Homes
2004–2007 Ocean Finance
2007–2009 Umbro
2009–2012 Admiral Snowdome
2012–2014 Jako Solus Coaches
2014–2015 Bradley Scott Windows
2015–2016 J. Clarke Transport
2016–2017 Solus Coaches
2017–2018 Macron Bradley Scott Windows
2018–2019 J. Clarke Transport
2019–2020 Solus Coaches
2020–2022 Bradley Scott Windows
2022–0000 Kappa J. Clarke Transport

Following seven years with Nike, Inc., the club confirmed the kit manufacturer to be Umbro for the 2007/08 season.[20]

Snowdome were confirmed as the club's new shirt sponsor on 24 June 2009, agreeing to a three-year shirt sponsorship deal with the club. Automotive Solutions agreed a one-year short sponsorship, while Admiral Sportswear would be manufacturing the club's players and replica kits.[21]

On 14 July 2011, it was confirmed that Tamworth based IT Consultancy company, Computer Friendly Consultants would be renewing their back of shirt sponsor for the 2011/12 season.[22] Solus Coaches were announced as the first team shorts sponsor for the 2011/12 season.[23]

Tamworth announced on 27 March 2012 that their away kit for the 2012/13 season would be sponsored by Drayton Manor, with the club's kits now been supplied by Jako.[24] The club followed this up on 26 April 2012 with confirmation that Solus Coaches would sponsor the team home shirt for the 2012/13 season.[25] The club confirmed on 2 May 2013 the kits would again be supplied by and sponsored by the same companies as the previous season.[26]

Tamworth confirmed on 30 June 2014 that their kits would again be made by Jako, and would be sponsored by two local companies, on the front of the shirts would be Bradley Scott Windows and on the back J. Clarke Transport.[27]

Tamworth announced for 2016/17 season that the club's shirts would again be supplied by Jako, for the fifth season running, and the home shirt would again be sponsored by Solus Coaches and the away shirt would be sponsored by local restaurant Turpins.[28]

For the 2017/18 season, Tamworth confirmed on 24 April 2017, their home shirts would be supplied by Macron Cardiff, and the shirt sponsor would be Bradley Scott Windows.[29] On 23 April 2018 it was announced the club's kit would again be supplied by Macron Cardiff, and the shirt would be sponsored by J. Clarke Transport.[30]

Tamworth confirmed on 24 April 2019 that their new kit for the 2019/20 season would be available from the club shop at the final match of the season, again kit supplied by Macron Cardiff, and Solus Coaches would return as the shirt sponsor.[31]

It was confirmed on 17 August 2020, that Tamworth's shirt for the 2020/21 season would be kit supplied by Macron Cardiff for a fourth season, and would once again be sponsored by Bradley Scott Windows.[32]

Tamworth finished the 2021–22 season on 23 April 2022, and alongside the club's end of season awards, it was announced that the club had signed a deal with Italian sports brand Kappa, with details of the shirt to be announced in due course.[33]

Stadium

[edit]
Main article: The Lamb Ground

Tamworth have played at The Lamb Ground since 1934. Prior to this, they spent their first season at a ground adjacent to the Jolly Sailor pub. The Lamb Ground takes its name from a pub, the Lamb Inn, which formerly stood nearby. The ground has a capacity of approximately 4,000, and a directors box. All seating is in the Main Stand, which was constructed in 1997. The Main Stand occupies one side of the pitch, with a covered terrace known as the Shed on the opposite side. As soon as the 2015–16 season finished, work began on a new 3G pitch, the first of its kind in the Conference North. This was ready in time for the 2016–17 season and is available for the community as a whole to use.

Current squad

[edit]
As of 8 October 2024[34]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK England ENG Jasbir Singh
2 DF England ENG Matt Curley
3 DF Republic of Ireland IRL Callum Cockerill-Mollett
4 MF England ENG Tom Tonks
5 DF England ENG Kennedy Digie
6 MF England ENG Alex Fletcher
7 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Kyle Finn
8 MF England ENG Ben Milnes (captain)
9 FW England ENG Dan Creaney
11 DF England ENG Luke Fairlamb
12 FW United States USA Chris Wreh
14 MF England ENG Kai Williams
15 MF Scotland SCO George Morrison (on loan from Fleetwood Town)
No. Pos. Nation Player
16 MF England ENG Ben Acquaye
17 DF England ENG Jamie Willets
18 DF England ENG Jordan Cullinane-Liburd
19 MF England ENG Tom McGlinchey
20 MF England ENG Nathan Tshikuna
21 GK England ENG Leon Phillips
22 FW Cameroon CMR Beck-Ray Enoru
23 MF England ENG Kai Lissimore
25 DF England ENG Kieran Wallace (on loan from Hartlepool United)
26 DF England ENG Haydn Hollis
27 FW England ENG Miracle Okafor
28 MF Zimbabwe ZIM Munashe Sundire
29 DF Saint Kitts and Nevis SKN Rico Browne (on loan from Walsall)

Out on loan

[edit]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
10 FW England ENG Ty Deacon (on loan to Hereford)
No. Pos. Nation Player
13 GK England ENG Jack Hitchman (on loan to Bolehall Swifts)

Management and coaching staff

[edit]

Current staff

[edit]
As of 26 May 2022 [35]
Position Name
Manager England Andy Peaks
Assistant Manager England Neil Champelovier
First Team Coach England Tim Dudding
Goalkeeper Coach England Gary Price
Physio Jamaica Manzu Cain
Kit Manager England Buster Belford
Assistant Kit Manager England Degsy Bond
Scholarship Manager England Scott Rickards
Scholarship Coaches England Robbie Banks
England Stefan Moore
England Mark Phillips
Scholarship Therapist England Niamh McLaughlin
Academy Manager (U7-U16) England Scott Rickards
Age Group Lead Coaches England Tom Armitage
England Jack Ball
England Archie Baynham
England Mark Bridgen
England Josh Butler
England Joseph Czechowski
England Stuart Ealing
England Ryan Freer
England Morris Griffith
England Kane Hemmings
England Dom Hinks
England Dale Hutchinson
England Rich Lacey
England Dan Layton
England Paul Manton
England Adam McAneny
England Keith O’Connor
England Wayne Smart
England Josh Thomas
England Mark Thomas
England Ryan Thorpe
England Adrian Winfield

Managerial history

[edit]
Main article: List of Tamworth F.C. managers

Supporters' Player of the Year

[edit]
Chris Lait won the award for the 2018–19 season.
Ryan Beswick won the award for the 2019–20 season.
Henri Wilder won the award for the 2021–22 season.

Player name in bold represents players still on the playing staff of the club.

Season Level Name Nationality Position Notes Ref
1988–89 7 Mark Stanton Striker  England [36]
1994–95 7 Jon Howard Defender  England [37]
1997–98 6 Tim Steele Midfielder  England [38]
2006–07 5 José Veiga Goalkeeper  Cape Verde [39]
2007–08 6 Gareth Sheldon Striker  England [40]
2008–09 6 Gareth Sheldon Striker  England [41]
2009–10 5 Danny Alcock Goalkeeper  England [42]
2010–11 5 Kyle Perry Striker  England [43]
2011–12 5 Richard Tait Defender  Scotland [44]
2012–13 5 Duane Courtney Defender  England [45]
2013–14 5 Lloyd Kerry Midfielder  England [46]
2014–15 6 James Belshaw Goalkeeper  England [47]
2015–16 6 James Belshaw Goalkeeper  England [48]
2016–17 6 Danny Newton Striker  England [49]
2017–18 6 Connor Taylor Midfielder  England [50]
2018–19 7 Chris Lait Striker  England [51]
2019–20 7 Ryan Beswick Midfielder  England [52]
2020–21 7 No Award
2021–22 7 Henri Wilder Defender  England [53]
2022–23 7 Dan Creaney Striker  England [54]
2023–24 6 Jordan Cullinane-Liburd Defender  England [55]

Honours

[edit]
Further information: List of Tamworth F.C. seasons

League

Cup

Records

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Merson opts to sign for Tamworth". BBC Sport. 22 February 2006. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  2. ^ "Merson announces his retirement". BBC Sport. 9 March 2006. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  3. ^ "Mills happy with Tamworth return". BBC Sport. 28 January 2007. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  4. ^ "Gee rejoins Tamworth boss Mills". BBC Sport. 30 January 2007. Retrieved 24 March 2010.
  5. ^ "Wright secures Tamworth promotion". BBC Sport. 21 April 2009. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Tamworth 2–1 Forest Green Rovers". BBC Sport. 30 April 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
  7. ^ "Everton 2–0 Tamworth". BBC Sport. 6 January 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  8. ^ "Dale Belford Replaces Law at Tamworth". League-Clubs.co.uk. 15 January 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  9. ^ "First Team Management Announcement". TheLambs.co.uk. 22 May 2018. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  10. ^ "Fowler Steps Down". TheLambs.co.uk. 10 September 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  11. ^ "Harris Departs". TheLambs.co.uk. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  12. ^ "New Manager Confirmed". TheLambs.co.uk. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  13. ^ "Greene Departs". TheLambs.co.uk. 20 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  14. ^ "Tamworth Management duo announcement". Tamworth FC. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  15. ^ "Tamworth Football Club". www.thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  16. ^ "Tamworth FC chief Bob Andrews confirms duo will take reins next season". BirminghamMail.co.uk. 22 April 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  17. ^ "Lambs Appoint Head Of Senior Football". TheLambs.co.uk. 5 June 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  18. ^ "Tamworth Football Club". Football Club History Database. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  19. ^ "Tamworth FC: Lambs promoted back to National League for first time since 2014". BBC Sport. 6 April 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  20. ^ "2007–08 KIT REVEALED – first pics here!". TheLambs.co.uk. 26 April 2007. Retrieved 26 April 2007.
  21. ^ "New Kit Sponsors". TheLambs.co.uk. 24 June 2009. Retrieved 24 June 2009.
  22. ^ "Computer Friendly renew back of shirt sponsorship". TheLambs.co.uk. 14 July 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
  23. ^ "New shorts sponsor for the Lambs". TheLambs.co.uk. 28 July 2011. Retrieved 28 July 2011.
  24. ^ "New Away Kit & Away Shirt Sponsor Announcement". TheLambs.co.uk. 27 March 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
  25. ^ "New home shirt & sponsor for the Lambs". TheLambs.co.uk. 26 April 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  26. ^ "new home shirt for 13/14 season". TheLambs.co.uk. 2 May 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2013.
  27. ^ "New Home Shirts". TheLambs.co.uk. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  28. ^ "Limited Number Of Shirts In Stock". TheLambs.co.uk. 9 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  29. ^ "Home Shirt On Sale". TheLambs.co.uk. 24 April 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  30. ^ "New Shirt Revealed". TheLambs.co.uk. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  31. ^ "Home Kit Launch". TheLambs.co.uk. 24 April 2019. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  32. ^ "Headline Kit Sponsors Announced for 2020/21". TheLambs.co.uk. 17 August 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  33. ^ "END OF SEASON AWARDS". TamworthFC.co.uk. 23 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  34. ^ "2023-24 MANAGEMENT AND PLAYERS". www.tamworthfc.co.uk. 13 August 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
  35. ^ "Tamworth Club Officials". Tamworth Football Club. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  36. ^ "They've Played For Your Club Tamworth". southern-football-league.co.uk. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  37. ^ "Legends Night Update". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  38. ^ "Tamworth Legends Night". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 3 March 2016.
  39. ^ "2006–07 Dinner Dance". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 5 May 2007.
  40. ^ "2007–08 TFC awards night winners". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 4 May 2008.
  41. ^ "Dinner Dance review and pics". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 2 May 2009.
  42. ^ "Lambs Awards night". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 25 April 2010.
  43. ^ "Lambs celebrate success". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 30 April 2011.
  44. ^ "Awards night review". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  45. ^ "End of Season Awards". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  46. ^ "And the winner is..." thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2014.
  47. ^ "Final day cheer at The Lamb". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  48. ^ "End of seaon's [sic] awards". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  49. ^ "Clean Sweep For Newton". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  50. ^ "Taylor Collects Award". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  51. ^ "The party is over, now the hard work begins". thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 29 April 2019.
  52. ^ "The 2019–20 Player of the Season is..." thelambs.co.uk. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  53. ^ "END OF SEASON AWARDS". tamworthfc.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
  54. ^ "Awards Evening (Updated)". www.tamworthfc.co.uk. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 11 October 2024.
  55. ^ @tamworthfc (12 May 2024). "🏆 Supporters player for the 2023/24 season was awarded to Jordan Cullinane-Liburd which was sponsored by @comparethebuild" (Tweet). Retrieved 11 October 2024 – via Twitter.
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