From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tamworth Football Club are an English football team based in Tamworth, Staffordshire, currently playing in the Nationwide Conference. They were formed in 1933 after the previous Tamworth club, Tamworth Castle F.C., ceased to exist. They originally played at The Jolly Sailor Ground but after a year moved into The Lamb Ground.
[edit] History
The team managed by Graham Smith won the FA Vase in 1989 thanks to a 3-0 win over Sudbury Town at Peterbrough, following a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium, London and also the Southern League in 2002-03 in English football. as well as reaching the FA Trophy Final at Villa Park, Birmingham
Despite struggling in the bottom half since they reached the Conference, the Lambs made history in the 2005-06 season by getting to their furthest ever stage in the FA Cup, they beat both Bournemouth and Hartlepool United 2-1 (both games where away ties for Tamworth) in the first and second rounds respectively.
In the third round, Tamworth came up against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium, the game ended 0-0 - famous only for player-manager, Mark Cooper's 'Please come to film us Motty' hand-cranked camera mime on BBC's Match Of The Day. Tamworth where rewarded with a dream home tie at The Lamb Ground. The replay finished 1-1 after normal time, no goals were scored during extra time,and Tamworth's FA Cup dream ended when they where eliminated 4-3 on penalties.
Despite a poor 2006/2007 league campaign, Tamworth were once again in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup after beating fellow Conference sides Burton Albion and Rushden & Diamonds both 1-2 away wins. Tamworth did not fair much better however, where they were beaten 4-1 at The Lamb Ground by a full strength Norwich City side. They enjoyed a good opening spell forcing a neat 'one for the cameras' save out of city stopper Paul Gallacher. But they were punished by veteran Dion Dublin and fleetfooted front man Darren Huckerby just before half-time. After the break Norwich dominated with the Dion and Darren both scoring again before the hour mark. Tamworth did get scant consolation with an effort from Kyle Storer after Norwich had brought off Lee Croft and Youssef Safri who were replaced by two of the three stooges Carl Robinson and Andy Hughes. Later the third stooge, Peter Thorne replaced the wornout Dublin. There after Norwich looked below par and Tamworth continued to threaten.
They completed perhaps their highest profile signing of all time on 23rd February 2006, when former Arsenal, Aston Villa, Walsall and England midfielder Paul Merson signed a contract for the club. However, until the end of the season, the majority of Merson's wages were to be paid by the club he used to manage, Walsall. This arrangement only lasted two games (with Merson playing only once) before he announced his retirement from professional football playing on 9th March 2006[1].
Their ground is also one of the last few “traditional” non league grounds at this level of football.
Although the club finished 21st in the Conference in the 2005-06 season, the second relegation position, the club were spared the drop after Canvey Island resigned from the league.
[edit] Current first team squad
Correct as of 10 March 2007
[edit] Players in/out 2006-07
[edit] Honours
- Southern Football League Premier Division
- F.A. Trophy
- F.A. Vase
- Southern Football League Division One Midlands
- West Midlands League
- Champions: 1964, 1966, 1972, 1988
- West Midlands League Cup
- Champions: 1965, 1966, 1972, 1986, 1988
- Birmingham Senior Cup
- Champions: 1961, 1966, 1969
- Staffordshire Senior Cup
- Champions: 1959, 1964, 1966, 2002
- Harry Godfrey Trophy
[edit] Famous players
[edit] Shirt sponsors/manufacturers
| Year |
Kit Manufacturer |
Shirt Sponsor |
| 1999-00 |
Prostar |
Polesworth Garage |
| 2000-01 |
Nike |
Bloor Homes |
| 2001-02 |
Nike |
Bloor Homes |
| 2002-03 |
Nike |
Bloor Homes |
| 2003-04 |
Nike |
Bloor Homes |
| 2004-05 |
Nike |
Ocean Finance |
| 2005-06 |
Nike |
Ocean Finance |
| 2006-07 |
Nike |
Ocean Finance |
[edit] External links
Bob Andrews
