Reds Re-group

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New UniBond League First Division club Willenhall Town have raided ailing former Travel Factory Midland Alliance rivals Studley for two more players to add to their squad.

Willenhall have swooped to sign versatile defender Vaughan Thomas and striker Justin Tyrell as they prepare for life in the north.

Willenhall’s assistant-manager Larry Chambers said: “We’ve been tracking Vaughan for some time. He was a major influence during Studley’s FA Vase run, but we never thought he would leave them while Mark Chambers was in charge.

“Justin only joined Studley midway through last season, but at 22, is clearly one for the future. He’s already been involved with several clubs and had a spell playing in Singapore last season, so it’s time he started settling down.”

Willenhall have moved for Tyrell following uncertainty over their existing strike force. Paul Danks, Lee Bullimore and Gary Hay have already been ruled out for the start of the season through injury, while Nicky Campbell has quit to join Conference North side Stafford Rangers.

While Danks has begun his rehabilitation following a cruciate operation, both Bullimore and Hay may require further surgery.

That’s why the Reds have moved to bring in key capture Karl Edwards from another ex-Alliance rival, Chasetown.

Meanwhile, fellow front runner John Quilt and experienced midfielder Jason Smith have both resisted offers from other clubs to remain at Noose Lane.

Other recent arrivals at Willenhall to add to veteran midfielder Martin Myers and Karl Edwards, include defender Gary Anslow from Bridgnorth Town and Stafford Town goalkeeper Robert Plant, who has previously served Stafford Rangers and Port Vale.

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Willenhall Town are embarking on the ‘unknown’ as they start life in the UniBond League First Division next season.

But manager Rob Smith has signed one of the most experienced and well-respected players in Midlands non-League football to aid the former Travel Factory Midland Alliance side.

Smith has snapped up veteran midfielder Martin Myers from new rivals Redditch United.

Myers, now 38, originally made his name at both Telford United and Tamworth, with whom he won the FA Vase back in 1989.

He has since had spells with Solihull Borough, Stourbridge and Moor Green before joining Redditch where he was actually signed by Smith during his time in charge at the Valley Stadium.

Last season Myers netted an impressive 15 goals in helping Redditch to win the Dr Martens League Western Division title, and Smith was delighted to acquire his services. “Signing Martin was the best I could have made.

“I will have no hesitation in making him my skipper and I just hope people can learn off him.”

Smith has also returned to the Midland Alliance to sign one the league’s most highly-sought after strikers in Karl Edwards from Chasetown.

Edwards was one of the Alliance’s leading scorers last season but was out of contract with the Scholars and wanted to play at a higher level.

Smith described Edwards’ arrival at Noose Lane as “superb”. He added: “I tried to sign Karl a year ago but I couldn’t guarantee him a first-team spot at the time.

“In retrospect it was twelve months too soon.”

However, on the down side, Willenhall have lost their own highly-prized striker Nicky Campbell, who has moved to Nationwide Conference North side Stafford Rangers.

Willenhall signed Campbell last November from Rushall Olympic, and although the Reds would have liked the 23-year-old to form a potentially lethal partnership with Karl Edwards, they couldn’t compete with Stafford’s offer.

Two other strikers, Jordan Lee and Lee Bullimore, are not expected to start the season with Willenhall.

Lee is attracting interest from Southern League Division One West side Bromsgrove Rovers, while Bullimore, a former Midland Alliance ‘golden boot’ winner, is struggling to be fit with a knee injury sustained last season.

 

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Last season saw the Pride of ‘Umpshire, Willenhall Town, gain promotion during their Golden Jubilee season, and to prepare for their first ever campaign in the Division One UniBond Northern Premier League the Noose Lane club have announced their pre-season warm up games;

 

Tuesday 20th July 04 Oldbury United Away 19.45 ko

Saturday 24th July 04 Lincoln Moorlands Away 3pm

Tuesday 27th July 04 Bilston Home 19,45

Saturday 31st July 04 Desborough away 3pm

Tuesday 3rd August 04 Bromsgrove Rovers Home 19.45

Saturday 7th August 04 Westfields away 3pm

Tuesday 19th August 04 Tipton Town home 7.45

Saturday 14th August 04 TBA away 3pm