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Tamworth FC
Tamworth FC.svg
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

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. This league is the fifth level of English football.

The club started in 1933. This happened after the old Tamworth Castle club stopped playing. Tamworth FC played in local leagues for many years. In 1972, they reached the Southern League. Later, they faced tough times and went back to lower leagues.

In 1988, Tamworth returned to the Southern League. A year later, they won the FA Vase cup. The team reached the final of the FA Trophy in 2003. In the same year, they moved up to the Football Conference. They spent four seasons there, which is the highest level for non-League teams.

The team first played at The Jolly Sailor Ground. After one year, they moved to The Lamb Ground. This stadium is named after a nearby pub. It can hold almost 5,000 fans. In 2016, a new artificial pitch was added. Tamworth's local rivals include Burton Albion and Nuneaton Borough.

History of Tamworth FC

How the Club Started

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

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

In 1972, Tamworth moved up to the Southern League. But then, fewer fans came to games. The club also faced money problems. In 1984, they returned to the West Midlands League. 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 cup. This was just one year after they returned to 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 Tamworth lifted the FA Vase for the first time. In 1997, "The Lambs" won the Southern League Midland Division. This helped them move up to the Premier Division.

In the 2001–02 season, Tamworth almost moved up to the Football Conference. This is the highest level for non-League football. They drew their last game 3–3. But Kettering Town won their final game. This allowed Kettering to finish first and get promoted instead.

The next season, Tamworth won the Southern League championship. They finished 13 points ahead of Stafford Rangers. This win meant they were promoted. In the same season, Tamworth also reached the FA Trophy final. They played Burscough but lost 2–1 at Villa Park.

On February 23, 2006, Tamworth signed Paul Merson. He was a famous former England international midfielder. However, he only played one game for the club. He retired from playing football on March 9, 2006. Tamworth finished 21st in the Conference Premier that season. They avoided being relegated because Canvey Island left the league. 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 did not do well in the league. But they reached the third round of the FA Cup again. Norwich City beat them 2–0. Soon after, manager Mark Cooper and his assistant were let go. The club was at the bottom of the league.

Wright, Nick
Nick Wright scored the goal that helped Tamworth win the Conference North in 2009.

Gary Mills and Darron Gee took over as managers. But Tamworth was still relegated to the Conference North. The club won promotion back to the Conference Premier in 2009. They beat Hinckley United 1–0. Nick Wright scored the winning goal.

On October 13, 2010, manager Gary Mills left Tamworth. He joined York City. Des Lyttle became the caretaker manager. He was later hired as player-manager. He resigned in April 2011. Tamworth legend Dale Belford took over for the last four games. Belford helped Tamworth stay in the league. They won 2–1 against Forest Green Rovers.

Belford stepped down at the end of the season. On May 25, 2011, Tamworth announced Marcus Law as their new manager. Tamworth played against Everton in the third round of the 2011–12 FA Cup on January 6, 2012. Everton won 2–0. About 5,000 Tamworth fans traveled to Goodison Park.

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 tough one for Tamworth. They reached the second round of the 2013-14 FA Cup. But they lost 2–1 at home to Bristol City. Tamworth finished 23rd in the league. This meant they were relegated to the Conference North.

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

Tamworth started the 2018–19 season in the new Southern League Premier Central. Mike Fowler became head coach. Tim Harris was director of football. Paul Green returned as player-coach.

On September 10, 2018, Mike Fowler stepped down. Tim Harris also left the club. Dennis Greene was named the new manager. But he only stayed for four months. He was dismissed after some bad results.

On March 8, 2019, Andrew Danylyszyn and club legend Gary Smith became joint managers. They had a great start, with five games unbeaten. They were named managers of the month for March 2019. They helped the club avoid relegation. Tamworth finished 12th in their first season in the Southern League Premier Central. On April 22, 2019, Danylyszyn and Smith were made permanent managers.

In the 2022–23 season, Tamworth won the Southern League Premier Division Central championship. They won the league based on goal difference. The next year, they won the National League North title. This meant they had two promotions in a row. In the 2024–25 season, Tamworth beat League One team Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup first round.

Team Colours and Badge

Since 2009, Tamworth has played in an all-red kit. The kit has white stripes on the sides. In 2011–12, the white stripes changed to black. The shorts also changed to dark blue. In 2012–13, the team went back to all-red kits with white stripes.

The Tamworth FC badge shows the flag of Tamworth. It also has the Stafford knot. This knot is a symbol of Staffordshire. Next to them is the Tamworth castle.

Team Sponsors

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

After seven years with Nike, Inc., Umbro became the kit maker for the 2007/08 season.

Snowdome became the club's new shirt sponsor in 2009. They agreed to a three-year deal. Automotive Solutions sponsored the shorts. Admiral Sportswear made the team's kits.

In 2011, Computer Friendly Consultants renewed their back-of-shirt sponsorship. Solus Coaches sponsored the first team shorts for the 2011/12 season.

Tamworth announced that Drayton Manor would sponsor their away kit for 2012/13. Jako started supplying the club's kits. Solus Coaches also sponsored the home shirt. The same companies continued to sponsor the kits for the next season.

In 2014, Tamworth's kits were still made by Jako. Two local companies became sponsors. Bradley Scott Windows was on the front of the shirts. J. Clarke Transport was on the back.

For the 2016/17 season, Jako continued to supply the kits. Solus Coaches sponsored the home shirt. A local restaurant, Turpins, sponsored the away shirt.

For the 2017/18 season, Macron Cardiff supplied the home shirts. Bradley Scott Windows was the shirt sponsor. In 2018, Macron Cardiff continued to supply the kits. J. Clarke Transport sponsored the shirt.

In 2019, Tamworth confirmed their new kit for the 2019/20 season. Macron Cardiff still supplied the kit. Solus Coaches returned as the shirt sponsor.

In 2020, Macron Cardiff supplied Tamworth's shirt for the fourth season. Bradley Scott Windows sponsored the shirt again.

After the 2021–22 season, Tamworth announced a deal with Kappa. Kappa is an Italian sports brand. Details about the new shirt were to be announced later.

The Lamb Ground Stadium

Tamworth has played at The Lamb Ground since 1934. Before that, they played for one season near the Jolly Sailor pub. The stadium is named after an old pub called the Lamb Inn. This pub used to be nearby.

The Lamb Ground can hold about 4,000 people. It has a special box for directors. 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.

After the 2015–16 season, work began on a new 3G artificial pitch. This was the first of its kind in the Conference North league. It was ready for the 2016–17 season. The community can also use this new pitch.

Current Squad Players

No. Position Player
1 England GK Jasbir Singh
2 England DF Matt Curley
3 Republic of Ireland DF Callum Cockerill-Mollett
4 England MF Tom Tonks
5 England DF Kennedy Digie
6 England MF Alex Fletcher
7 Republic of Ireland MF Kyle Finn
8 England MF Ben Milnes (captain)
9 England FW Dan Creaney
10 England FW Ty Deacon
11 England DF Luke Fairlamb
12 United States FW Chris Wreh
13 England GK Jack Hitchman
14 England MF Kai Williams
15 Scotland MF George Morrison (on loan from Fleetwood Town)
No. Position Player
16 England MF Ben Acquaye
17 England DF Jamie Willets
18 England DF Jordan Cullinane-Liburd
19 England MF Tom McGlinchey
20 England MF Nathan Tshikuna
21 England GK Leon Phillips
22 Cameroon FW Beck-Ray Enoru
23 England MF Kai Lissimore
25 England DF Kieran Wallace (on loan from Hartlepool United)
26 England DF Haydn Hollis
28 Zimbabwe MF Munashe Sundire
30 England DF Zach McKenzie
32 England MF Callum Powell (on loan from Braintree Town)
England DF Ben Crompton (on loan from Sunderland)
Republic of Ireland MF Ronan Maher (on loan from Walsall)

Players Out on Loan

No. Position Player
27 England FW Miracle Okafor (on loan to Brackley Town)

Management and Coaching Staff

Current Staff

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

Supporters' Favourite Player of the Year

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

Players whose names are in bold 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

Club Honours and Trophies

League Wins

  • 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
  • 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: 15th in Conference National (level 5), 2004–05
  • Best FA Cup performance: 3rd round, 2005–06, 2006–07 and 2011–12
  • Best FA Trophy performance: Runners-up, 2002–03
  • Best FA Vase performance: Champions, 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

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Tamworth F. C. para niños

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