Tamworth F.C. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Tamworth

Full name	Tamworth Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Lambs
Founded	1933
Ground	The Lamb Ground, Tamworth
Ground Capacity	4,963 (518 seated)
Ground Coordinates	52°37′42″N 1°41′20″W / 52.628403°N 1.688925°W / 52.628403; -1.688925
Owner	Bob Andrews
Chairman	Bob Andrews
Manager	Andy Peaks
League	Southern League Premier Division Central
2018–19	Southern League Premier Division Central, 12th of 22
Home colours Away colours

Tamworth Football Club is a football team from Tamworth, England. They are often called "The Lambs." The club plays in the Southern League Premier Division Central league, which is the fifth level of English football. This is for the 2024–25 season.

The club started in 1933. This happened after the old Tamworth team, Tamworth Castle, stopped playing. Tamworth FC played in local leagues for many years. They reached the Southern League in 1972. In 1989, they won the FA Vase, a big cup for non-professional teams.

Tamworth FC also reached the final of the FA Trophy in 2003. In the same year, they moved up to the Football Conference. This was the highest level for non-League football. They stayed there for four seasons. In 2009, they got promoted back to the Conference Premier. They played there for five more seasons. In 2018, they moved back down to the Southern League.

The team first played at The Jolly Sailor Ground. But after one year, they moved to The Lamb Ground. This stadium is named after a pub that used to be nearby. The stadium can hold almost 5,000 people. It has a special artificial pitch that was put in place in 2016. Tamworth's local rivals include Burton Albion and Nuneaton Borough.

Club History

How Tamworth FC Started

Before Tamworth FC, there was a team called Tamworth Castle F.C. They stopped playing in 1933. A local businessman wrote a letter to the newspaper. This led to the creation of Tamworth F.C. The club first played near the Jolly Sailor pub. Then, in 1934, they moved to their current home, The Lamb Ground.

Tamworth started in the Birmingham Combination league. Later, they joined the West Midlands (Regional) League in 1954. The 1960s were a good time for Tamworth. They won the league in 1963–64 and 1965–66. They also won other cups like the West Midlands League Cup.

In 1972, Tamworth moved up to the Southern League. But then they had some tough times. They returned to the West Midlands League in 1984. A group of local business people took over the club. In 1987–88, Tamworth won the League. This meant they were promoted back to the Southern League.

Winning the FA Vase and Moving Up

In 1989, Tamworth reached the final of the FA Vase. This was a year after they got back into the Southern League. The final was against Sudbury Town at Wembley Stadium. The game ended in a 1–1 draw. Martin Devaney scored for Tamworth.

The teams had a replay game at London Road. Tamworth won this game 3–0. Mark Stanton scored two goals and Ian Moores scored one. This win meant they lifted the FA Vase trophy for the first time. In 1997, The Lambs won their division in the Southern League. They were promoted to the Premier Division.

In the 2001–02 season, Tamworth almost got promoted to the Football Conference. This was the top non-League division. They drew their last game 3–3 against Folkestone Invicta. But Kettering Town won their final game. This allowed Kettering to take first place and get promoted instead.

However, the very next season, Tamworth won the Southern League championship. They finished 13 points ahead of Stafford Rangers. This win earned them promotion to the Conference. In the same season, Tamworth also reached the final of the FA Trophy. They played Burscough but lost 2–1 at Villa Park.

On February 23, 2006, Paul Merson, a former England player, joined Tamworth. He was a famous midfielder. However, he only played one game for the club. He retired from professional football less than a month later. Tamworth finished 21st in the Conference Premier that season. They were supposed to be relegated. But Canvey Island left the league, so Tamworth stayed up. They also reached the third round of the FA Cup for the first time.

Moving Down and Back Up

In the 2006–07 season, Tamworth had a tough league year. But they reached the 3rd round of the FA Cup again. Norwich City beat them. After this, manager Mark Cooper and his assistant were let go. They were replaced by Gary Mills and Darron Gee. Despite the change, Tamworth was relegated to the Conference North.

Nick Wright scored the goal that won the Conference North championship in 2009.

The club won promotion back to the Conference Premier in their second try. They beat Hinckley United 1–0 on April 21, 2009. Nick Wright scored the winning goal. This secured the title and promotion.

On October 13, 2010, manager Gary Mills left Tamworth to join York City. Des Lyttle became the caretaker manager and then the player-manager. He resigned in April 2011. Tamworth legend Dale Belford took over for the last four games. He helped Tamworth stay in the league on the very last day. They won 2–1 against Forest Green Rovers.

In 2011, Marcus Law became the new manager. Tamworth played against Everton in the 3rd round of the 2011–12 FA Cup on January 6, 2012. About 5,000 Tamworth fans traveled to Goodison Park. Everton won the game 2–0.

Marcus Law was removed as manager on January 14, 2013. Dale Belford became caretaker manager again. Scott Lindsey was his assistant.

Conference North and Southern League Years

The 2013–14 season was a difficult one for Tamworth. They reached the 2nd round of the 2013–14 FA Cup. They lost 2–1 at home to Bristol City. But in the league, they finished 23rd. This meant they dropped down to the Conference North after five seasons in the fifth tier.

On September 15, 2014, Dale Belford left the club. Andy Morrell became the new manager. Tamworth then had a great run of 12 wins in a row. But they just missed out on the play-offs because of goal difference.

Tamworth started the 2018–19 season in the new Southern League Premier Central. They had a new management team. Mike Fowler was head coach, Tim Harris was director of football, and Paul Green returned as player-coach.

After a poor start, Mike Fowler stepped down on September 10, 2018. Tim Harris also left. On the same day, Dennis Greene became the new manager. But he only stayed for four months. On March 8, 2019, Andrew Danylyszyn and club legend Gary Smith became joint managers. They had a great start, going five games unbeaten. They were named managers of the month for March 2019. They helped the club avoid relegation. They finished 12th in their first season in the Southern League Premier Central. They were confirmed as permanent managers on April 22, 2019. Thomas Baillie joined the club as Head of Senior Football.

After the previous managers left, Andy Peaks became the new manager. He led the team to an unbeaten run until the end of the 2021-22 season.

Back-to-Back Promotions

In the 2022–23 season, Tamworth surprised many. They won the Southern League Premier Division Central championship. They won it on goal difference over Coalville Town.

Following this success, Tamworth achieved a second promotion in a row the next year. They won the 2023-24 National League North title with two games left.

In the 2024–25 season, Tamworth beat League One team Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup first round. They then reached the FA Cup third round for only the fourth time. They beat local rivals Burton Albion on penalties after a 1–1 draw.

For their cup success, The Lambs got to play Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur at home. A full stadium watched as The Lambs, who were 96 places lower in the football pyramid, held Spurs to a 0–0 draw after 90 minutes. Tottenham eventually won 3–0 in extra time. Before the Spurs game, manager Andy Peaks signed a new contract. This meant he would manage The Lambs full-time.

Team Colors

In their first season, Tamworth's main kit was all black with red. But in later seasons, they changed to red and black. Their away kit was blue and white.

Today, Tamworth usually plays in a red kit. They wear black or red shorts and matching socks.

The away kit colors change each season. They have been dark blue, sky blue, white, yellow, and bright green.

Club Badge

The first Tamworth FC badges in the 1950s showed a lamb on a shield. The club name was on banners above and below it.

In the 1960s, this changed to a Fleur-De-Lys. This symbol is on the town's coat of arms. The council officially allowed the club to use it.

A new badge was designed in 1989 by club members. It has five parts:

• The Saltire in Chief: a gold cross on a blue background.
• The Fess of Vair or Fesse Vair: from the old coat of arms of the Marmion family.
• The Stafford(shire) knot: a symbol of the Stafford family and linked to the Borough of Stafford.
• The Castle and the Crossed Swords: these represent Tamworth Castle. They also show the historical role of the Champion of England.
• The Fleur-De-Lys.

Kit Sponsors and Makers

After seven years with Nike, Inc., Tamworth used Umbro for the 2007/08 season.

Snowdome became the club's new shirt sponsor on June 24, 2009. They signed a three-year deal. Automotive Solutions sponsored the shorts for one year. Admiral Sportswear made the team's kits.

On July 14, 2011, Computer Friendly Consultants renewed their sponsorship for the back of the shirt. Solus Coaches sponsored the first team shorts for the 2011–12 season.

Tamworth announced on March 27, 2012, that Drayton Manor would sponsor their away kit for the 2012–13 season. Jako supplied the club's kits. On April 26, 2012, Solus Coaches was confirmed as the home shirt sponsor. The club confirmed on May 2, 2013, that the same companies would supply and sponsor the kits for the next season.

On June 30, 2014, Tamworth confirmed that Jako would make their kits again. Two local companies would sponsor the shirts. Bradley Scott Windows was on the front, and J. Clarke Transport was on the back.

For the 2016–17 season, Jako continued to supply the shirts for the fifth year. Solus Coaches sponsored the home shirt. Local restaurant Turpins sponsored the away shirt.

For the 2017–18 season, Tamworth confirmed on April 24, 2017, that Macron Cardiff would supply their home shirts. Bradley Scott Windows was the shirt sponsor. On April 23, 2018, it was announced that Macron Cardiff would supply the kit again. J. Clarke Transport sponsored the shirt.

Tamworth confirmed on April 24, 2019, that their new kit for the 2019–20 season would be available. Macron Cardiff supplied the kit again. Solus Coaches returned as the shirt sponsor.

On August 17, 2020, it was confirmed that Macron Cardiff would supply Tamworth's shirt for the 2020–21 season. Bradley Scott Windows sponsored it again.

Tamworth finished the 2021–22 season on April 23, 2022. They announced a deal with Italian sports brand Kappa.

The 2022–23 kit was sponsored by J. Clarke Transport. The away shirt was sponsored by Turpins Bar and Grill.

Kappa was the kit supplier for the 2023–24 season too. Bradley Scott Windows sponsored the home shirt. Compare The Build sponsored the away kit.

The club returned to supplier Macron for 2024–25. Bradley Scott Windows sponsored the home shirt again. The away shirt had two main sponsors: Drayton Manor theme park and Purewater. The team wore the kit in alternating games to show both sponsors. Compare the Build was a feature sponsor on the sleeve and back of the shirt.

Stadium Information

Tamworth has played at The Lamb Ground since 1934. The club first thought about using The Lamb for their first season. But they chose a ground next to the Jolly Sailor pub instead. They worked hard to get it ready.

The club moved to The Lamb ground for their second season. The stadium is named after the Lamb Inn pub. This pub used to be at the entrance to the ground.

The ground can now hold about 4,000 people. It has a special area for directors, press areas, and a camera platform.

All the seats are in the Main Stand. This stand was built in 1997.

The Main Stand is on one side of the pitch. On the other side is a covered area called the Shed.

Work started on a new 3G artificial pitch after the 2015–16 season. It was the first of its kind in the Conference North. It was ready for the 2016–17 season. Now, the community can use it seven days a week.

The club put in their first floodlights in 1967-68. In 2020, they replaced the old lights with four new LED floodlights.

A new clubhouse was built in 2021 to replace the old one.

Current Team Players

No. Position Player 1 GK Jas Singh (vice-captain) 2 DF Matt Curley 3 DF Callum Cockerill-Mollett 4 MF Tom Tonks 5 DF Kennedy Digie 8 MF Ben Milnes (captain) 11 DF Luke Fairlamb 18 DF Jordan Cullinane-Liburd 19 MF Tom McGlinchey 21 GK Leon Phillips 22 MF Beck-Ray Enoru

No. Position Player 23 MF Kai Lissimore 26 DF Haydn Hollis 34 FW Jordan Ponticelli MF Alfie Bates FW Manny Duku MF Stefan Mols DF Joe Riley MF Tyler Roberts MF Harvey Sayer MF Reuben Wyatt

Non-Playing Staff

Current Staff Members

Position	Name
Manager	Andy Peaks
Assistant Manager	Neil Champelovier
First Team Coach	Tim Dudding
Goalkeeper Coach	Gary Price
Physio	Bethany Willment
Scholarship Manager	Scott Rickards
Scholarship Coaches	Robbie Banks Stefan Moore Mark Phillips
Scholarship Therapist	Niamh McLaughlin
Academy Manager (U7-U16)	Scott Rickards
Age Group Lead Coaches	Tom Armitage James Hubball Jack Ball Archie Baynham Mark Bridgen Josh Butler Joseph Czechowski Stuart Ealing Ryan Freer Morris Griffith Kane Hemmings Dom Hinks Dale Hutchinson Rich Lacey Dan Layton Paul Manton Adam McAneny Keith O’Connor Wayne Smart Josh Thomas Mark Thomas Ryan Thorpe Adrian Winfield

Supporters' Player of the Year Award

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.

Dan Creaney won the award for the 2022–23 season.

The player's name in bold means they are still playing for the club.

Season	Level	Name	Nationality	Position	Notes	Ref
1988–89	7	Mark Stanton	Striker	England
1994–95	7	Jon Howard	Defender	England
1997–98	6	Tim Steele	Midfielder	England
2006–07	5	José Veiga	Goalkeeper	Cape Verde
2007–08	6	Gareth Sheldon	Striker	England
2008–09	6	Gareth Sheldon	Striker	England
2009–10	5	Danny Alcock	Goalkeeper	England
2010–11	5	Kyle Perry	Striker	England
2011–12	5	Richard Tait	Defender	Scotland
2012–13	5	Duane Courtney	Defender	England
2013–14	5	Lloyd Kerry	Midfielder	England
2014–15	6	James Belshaw	Goalkeeper	England
2015–16	6	James Belshaw	Goalkeeper	England
2016–17	6	Danny Newton	Striker	England
2017–18	6	Connor Taylor	Midfielder	England
2018–19	7	Chris Lait	Striker	England
2019–20	7	Ryan Beswick	Midfielder	England
2020–21	7	No Award
2021–22	7	Henri Wilder	Defender	England
2022–23	7	Dan Creaney	Striker	England
2023–24	6	Jordan Cullinane-Liburd	Defender	England
2024–25	5	Tom Tonks	Midfielder	England
2025–26	5

Club Achievements

League Titles

• Conference North / National League North (level 6)
  • Champions: 2008–09, 2023–24
• Southern Football League Premier Division (level 7)
  • Champions: 2002–03, 2022–23*(* As Southern Premier Central Division)
  • Runners-up: 2001–02
• Southern Football League Division One Midlands
  • Champions: 1996–97
• West Midlands (Regional) League
  • Champions: 1963–64, 1965–66, 1971–72, 1987–88

Cup Wins

• FA Trophy
  • Runners-up: 2002–03
• FA Vase
  • Winners: 1988–89
• West Midlands League Cup
  • Winners: 1964–65, 1965–66, 1971–72, 1985–86, 1987–88
• Birmingham Senior Cup
  • Winners: 1960–61, 1965–66, 1968–69, 2024–25
• Staffordshire Senior Cup
  • Winners: 1958–59, 1963–64, 1965–66, 2001–02
• Harry Godfrey Trophy
  • Winners: 1993–94, 1996–97
• Bass Charity Vase
  • Winners: 1936–37

Club Records

• Best league position: 10th in National League (level 5), 2024–25
• Best FA Cup performance: 3rd round, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2011–12, 2024–25
• Best FA Trophy performance: Runners-up, 2002–03
• Best FA Vase performance: Winners, 1988–89 (replay)
• Record transfer paid: £7,500 to Ilkeston Town for Tony Hemmings, 2000
• Record transfer received: £12,000 from Kidderminster Harriers for Scott Rickards, 2003
• Record attendance: 4,920 vs Atherstone Town, 1948
• Record victory: 14–4 vs Holbrook Institute, 1933
• Record defeat: 11–0 vs Solihull Borough, 1940

More About Tamworth FC

• Tamworth F.C. players
• Tamworth F.C. managers

See also

In Spanish: Tamworth F. C. para niños